Why Is Environmental Stewardship Important?

Last Updated on Thu, 30 Nov 2023 | Recycling Smart

America’s solid waste management professionals are protecting our environment and serving our communities.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as of 2010, the average American produced about 4.4 pounds of trash every day. That’s a lot of garbage! 250 million tons a year…And that’s only the waste from homes, businesses, etc. In fact, if you add in all the construction, industrial and other solid wastes produced in America each year, there are nearly 545 million tons produced annually.

So the average family of four is throwing out nearly 124 pounds of trash every week. Is your family following that trend? Your family might be consciously trying to reduce, reuse or recycle, so that amount of waste will vary. Some of the waste is not in our direct control, but is produced by businesses that we frequent. But together we all produce a mountain of trash.

As a result, proper waste management is vital. Before there were regular waste management services, it was common for people to throw their garbage and human wastes out of the window and let it decompose in the street. This filth harbored rats, contaminated water supplies and helped perpetuate diseases such as the bubonic plague, cholera and typhoid fever that killed millions of people in early Europe and America.

But you don’t have to go to the history books to understand the importance of having your garbage managed. Naples, Italy, has been experiencing a garbage crisis on and off for almost 14 years. It has been overwhelmed with 10-foot piles of trash festering in the streets.

Photo of a lean fuels truck

That the solid waste industry is an essential partner in protecting our community’s public health and the environment should seem obvious. However, some facts about solid waste management are probably less obvious. America’s solid waste industry is using innovation to address some of the important environmental challenges of the 21st century facing our country and planet. The use of landfill-gas-to-energy and waste-to-energy projects and innovations in garbage collection and transport equipment are helping reduce emissions that cause climate change.

The 368,000 men and women, who work for America’s solid waste industry are “Environmentalists. Every Day.” Learn more here:

  • The solid waste industry’s collects and processes America’s recyclables. Our environmental stewardship is helping address natural resource sustainability.
  • Innovation from the solid waste industry allows us to capture greenhouse gas and use it as a source of renewable and sustainable energy. Our environmental stewardship is helping address climate change and contributing to the security of our nation by helping reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Technology underpins modern landfills, making them safer. Our environmental stewardship is helping keep communities clean and maintain public health.
  • Technology underpins modern garbage collection, making it more efficient. Our environmental stewardship is helping conserve energy and reduce garbage collection costs.

Continue reading here: What can you do to stop litter?

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Readers' Questions

  • kristian
    Why it is imporant for companies to pratice environment stwardship?
    6 months ago
    • Practicing environmental stewardship is important for companies for several reasons:
    1. Social responsibility: Companies have a responsibility to be good corporate citizens and ensure their operations do not harm the environment or communities in which they operate. Environmental stewardship demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices and shows that companies are not solely driven by profit but also care about the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
    2. Long-term viability: Environmental stewardship can help companies secure their long-term profitability and sustainability. By minimizing their environmental impact, companies reduce the risks associated with resource depletion, regulatory action, and public backlash. Additionally, practicing sustainable operations can lead to cost savings through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and better resource utilization.
    3. Competitive advantage: Companies that embrace environmental stewardship can differentiate themselves from their competitors. With increasing consumer awareness and demand for environmentally friendly products and services, being an environmentally responsible brand can attract a loyal customer base and enhance brand reputation. It can also help companies attract and retain top talent who prioritize working for socially and environmentally conscious organizations.
    4. Regulatory compliance: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter environmental regulations to address climate change, reduce pollution, and protect natural resources. By practicing environmental stewardship, companies can stay ahead of these regulations and avoid potential penalties or legal consequences. It also demonstrates their commitment to compliance, which can enhance relationships with regulatory bodies.
    5. Resource efficiency and cost savings: Environmental stewardship encourages companies to use resources more efficiently, reduce waste, and adopt sustainable technologies. This can lead to significant cost savings by lowering energy and water consumption, waste disposal costs, and raw material usage. Companies can reinvest these savings to enhance their competitiveness and innovation.
      6. Overall, practicing environmental stewardship is essential for companies to meet their social responsibility, secure long-term viability, gain a competitive advantage, comply with regulations, and realize cost savings. It aligns business objectives with sustainable practices and helps create a healthier and more sustainable world.
    • tony
      Why does steqardship decrease enviornmental impact?
      6 months ago
      • Stewardship refers to the responsible management and conservation of resources. It involves taking care of the environment and ensuring its sustainability for future generations. Stewardship can decrease environmental impact in several ways:
      1. Conservation and wise use of resources: Stewardship encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to use resources efficiently and make conscious efforts to reduce waste. By minimizing resource consumption, such as energy, water, and raw materials, the environmental impact is reduced.
      2. Sustainable practices: Stewardship promotes the adoption of sustainable practices that minimize negative environmental impacts. For example, using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases pollution. Implementing sustainable farming techniques, such as organic farming or agroforestry, helps preserve soil health and biodiversity.
      3. Preservation of ecosystems: Stewardship includes the protection and preservation of ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs. By safeguarding these habitats, stewardship helps maintain biodiversity, prevent habitat loss, and protect endangered species.
      4. Waste reduction and recycling: Stewardship encourages waste reduction through recycling, composting, and proper waste disposal. By diverting waste from landfills and promoting recycling, the environmental impact of waste generation and pollution is reduced.
      5. Education and awareness: Stewardship plays a crucial role in educating and raising awareness about environmental issues. When people understand the importance of sustainable practices and the impact of their actions, they are more likely to make informed decisions that reduce their environmental footprint.
        6. Overall, by practicing stewardship, individuals and communities can minimize their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
      • mike
        Why is environemntal stewardship important fo a cvompany?
        7 months ago
        • Environmental stewardship is important for a company for several reasons:
        1. Reputation and Brand Image: Companies that prioritize environmental stewardship are viewed more favorably by consumers, shareholders, and the general public. Such companies are seen as responsible and trustworthy, leading to enhanced brand image and reputation, which can result in increased customer loyalty and market share.
        2. Regulatory Compliance: Companies must comply with various environmental regulations and laws imposed by governments. By practicing environmental stewardship, companies can ensure compliance and avoid potential legal and financial penalties.
        3. Cost Savings: Adopting eco-friendly practices can lead to cost savings for companies. For example, implementing energy-efficient measures, such as using LED lights or upgrading machinery, can decrease energy consumption and subsequently reduce utility bills. Recycling programs can also save companies money by decreasing waste disposal costs.
        4. Innovation and Competitive Advantage: Engaging in sustainable practices often drives innovation within a company. Developing and utilizing eco-friendly technologies, such as renewable energy sources or green packaging, can not only reduce environmental impact but also give companies a competitive edge by attracting environmentally conscious customers.
        5. Employee Engagement and Productivity: Environmental stewardship can boost employee morale and engagement. When companies demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, employees tend to feel proud and more motivated to work for such organizations. Additionally, a healthy and sustainable work environment can enhance employee well-being, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
        6. Long-Term Business Viability: Ignoring environmental concerns can have detrimental impacts on the long-term viability and profitability of a company. Climate change, resource depletion, and other environmental issues can disrupt supply chains, increase costs, and damage infrastructure. By practicing environmental stewardship, companies can mitigate such risks and ensure a more sustainable future for their business.
        • maureen
          Why is environmental stewardship important in our society?
          1 year ago
          • Environmental stewardship is important in our society because, as stewards of the environment, we have the responsibility to take care of the planet we call home. By taking care of our environment, we are ensuring that future generations have healthy air, land, and water to live on, as well as a stable climate and diverse natural habitats to enjoy. In doing so, we are also protecting biodiversity, which helps keep our ecosystems functioning and brings balance to the planet.