The idea of employing reusable transport packaging instead of disposable or limited use cardboard boxes and wooden pallets is hardly new, but a new campaign developed by Alameda County's StopWaste Partnership and the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), a Washington, DC trade association, is promoting this money-saving green trend and helping businesses all over the Bay Area change their purchasing habits to reduce waste, maximize recycling programs, and even improve worker health in the process.

In Alameda County alone, thousands of tons of waste are generated by businesses each year. Much of that waste is comprised of limited-use transport packaging such as corrugated cardboard boxes and wood pallets that are discarded after just one use. "Research has shown that energy use, solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions are all significantly greater for disposable packaging, even when it is recycled, compared to reusables" according to Justin Lehrer, a program manager with StopWaste.org. "Our partnership with the RPA has been highly successful at educating logistics managers on the financial and environmental benefits of reusables, and each business that makes the switch is also making a significant contribution to Alameda County's waste prevention goals."

Not surprisingly, many of Alameda County's forward-thinking organizations are embracing StopWaste services like the Use Resusables campaign. Ghirardelli Chocolate Company saved $520,000 in purchasing costs and realized a 325 percent return on their investment. Smaller companies are also able to cut down on overhead costs and find better ways to use their resources.

With the rising urgency of climate change has come increased awareness of the importance of sustainability initiatives, and the "Use Reusables" campaign is a valuable resource for businesses looking at adopting sustainable practices throughout their operations and supply chain. For more information on the program, visit www.usereusables.com.

The StopWaste Partnership encourages businesses to reduce their waste stream, conserve energy and natural resources and cut company costs through education, financial assistance, and free expert advice from sustainability professionals. For more information, visit www.stopwaste.org/partnership. The Reusable Packaging Association (formerly Reusable Pallet & Container Coalition) is a non-profit trade association that promotes the use or integration of reusable pallets and containers in North American transport packaging systems because of the economic, environmental, and safety benefits created by re-use. For more information, visit www.rpcc.us.