Episode #42: Better communicate with obvious recycling labels

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Episode #42: Podcast Show Notes

Introduction

Have you already felt confused by a recycling label? What kind of end-of-life information did you get when your packaging is composed of three different components? Was choosing the right bin super crystal clear?

Get inspired by the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL), the National Recycling Week campaigns, and other initiatives with Alejandra from PlanetArk!

In this episode, she explains:

• How to go further than what is ‘technically’ recyclable,

• How to avoid conflicting communication,

• & How to ease collaborative impact with all the stakeholders (including the councils as front liners, the companies, the schools, and the end-users).

You will end up with a bunch of tips and tools to educate and implement! This interview covers a lot and we even touch on reuse and refill!

I enjoyed how Alejandra demonstrated the importance of evidence-based and trust in the system and their program. 

Listed references, examples, and recommendations in the order mentioned in the interview

• GreenBlue with their «How2recycle» system in US: https://greenblue.org/work/how2recycle/

• The On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) in UK: https://oprl.org.uk/ 

• The teacher toolkit/curriculum: https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/arl/arl_lesson_plans

• Their youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@planetarktv including the song animated video «Check it! Before you Chuck it» and much more

• The initiative BehaviourWorks Australia (from Monash University): https://www.behaviourworksaustralia.org/

• The PlanetArk link with what worked best with BehaviourWorks Australia: https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/resources/resourcescouncil

• The webinar about behavior changes with Jenni Macklin and Ryan Collins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8mU4THS97E&t=2007s

• Alejandra’s recommendation was: The free series «War on Waste» on ABC Australia: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/war-on-waste 

• All the other episodes mentioned in the order of the conversation:

• Ep 28 with M & Mme Recyclage: https://www.look4loops.com/packaging-podcast/ep28-waste-collection-sorting-recycling-education 

• Ep 13 with Hélène Piette: https://www.look4loops.com/packaging-podcast/ep13-branding-sustainable-design-communication 

• Ep 34 with Sean with the example of plastic-free aisle: https://www.look4loops.com/packaging-podcast/ep34-plastic-free-material-design-campaigns-platform 

• Ep 17 about «3 key benefits of reusable packaging»: https://www.look4loops.com/packaging-podcast/ep17-benefits-reusable-packaging 

• Ep 15 with Lindsey Boyle about segmenting & motivations: https://www.look4loops.com/packaging-podcast/ep15-motivation-segmentation-market 

• Ep 18-19 with Rosemary Cooper and Katherine White about behavior changes: https://www.look4loops.com/packaging-podcast/ep18-marketing-shift-sustainable-behaviour 

• Ep 25 with Nerida Kelton and the World Packaging Organisation guide: https://www.look4loops.com/packaging-podcast/ep25-design-recycling-food-safety-awards 

• Ep 27 with Paul Foulkes-Arellano and his burning question: https://www.look4loops.com/packaging-podcast/ep27-plant-based-circular-regenerative-innovations 

• Ep 36 with Elsa Bortuzzo and Célia Rennesson about refill (including in the cosmetic sector with Yokoumi): https://www.look4loops.com/packaging-podcast/ep36-bulk-network-packaging-free-products-consumers

Where to find PlanetArk and Alejandra

• The PlanetArk website: https://www.planetark.org/

• Their recycling website: https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/ 

• LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/planetark/ 

• All their handles on multiple social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) are: @PlanetArk

• Alejandra Laclette: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandralaclette/ 
  

About Alejandra Laclette from PlanetArk

Alejandra Laclette holds a master’s degree in Sustainable Development from Macquarie University and has international experience working with stakeholders in Government and Industry on sustainability educational programs, particularly focusing on consumer understanding of waste reduction and the environmental credentials of packaging and how to dispose of it.

She currently manages the Australasian Recycling Label and the National Recycling Week campaigns at Planet Ark.

Podcast music

Special thanks to Joachim Regout who made the jingle. Have a look at his work here.

I am happy to bring a sample of our strong bonds on these sound waves. Since I was a child, he made me discover a wide range of music of all kinds. I am also delighted he is a nature lover and shares the Look4Loops 'out of the box philosophy'. He is an inspiring source of creativity for me.