INFLUENCING MANUFACTURERS WITH REYNA BRYAN
Living in a new economy means taking responsibility for our actions collectively and raising awareness about the way we consume and recycle our products. Profound changes can be made by simply rethinking the slogan “reduce, reuse, and recycle”. As sustainability expert and creator of the “Recycling is Sexy” campaign Reyna Bryan demonstrates, the tactics we take to enlighten people about the culture of our products will make all the difference in the world of our economy and environment.
Recycling is Sexy
Doing good never looked so good. After wrestling with the wrongs that modern day consumerism handed her, Reyna decided to take action and leave her day job to start a movement. Her campaign, “Recycling is sexy” shifts our consumer culture from wasteful to wise. Understanding that we control how things are made is the first step in raising awareness of this issue. Elevating the consciousness of consumers Reyna believes, will shift the way products are made so we can build a better planet. Turns out it’s cool to be a conscious consumer!
The Bottom Line
Mindlessly meandering the grocery store is not how the conscious consumer shops. Be aware of the packages you pick up. Is thinner plastic really the solution to absolving waste? Not really. Recognize that the most sustainable packaging should be about needs versus wants. In a Capitalist system that breeds greed, it is important to support people who support things that are healthy and friendly to the earth.
Where to Begin
It starts with you. Digging in deep and doing the internal work as an individual is where the first signs of change occur. Be giving, be loving, and be protective. Defending the health of our families and the safety of our planet is just as important as the love we exude. Once we work within, we can start planting the seeds of knowledge. We can carry out these messages through our art and design or find creative ways to work with celebrities who will broadcast such truth campaigns. True transparency in both our lives and of those corporations we are voting is essential. Reyna suggests that there are few less wasteful ways companies can rethink the way they manufacture (if we tell them):
- Design for Recyclability
- Only make products out of materials that have value
- Make products that have a consistent recapture system
When we collectively elevate the standards, we can transform this poorly run waste cycle. Never forget the power of your voice. It is a remarkable catalyst of change. We can speak up through Instagram, Twitter, and many other multimedia outlets. When we recognize the products we use and the impact they make on the planet, we can raise valuable awareness and remain transparent. The little things we do matter. Whether we decide to skip the plastic bags in the grocery stores or call out companies that are poorly designing their products, we can all change this disorderly system when we wake up and take responsibility.
