The cannabis industry has a bit of a packaging problem. All those containers, wrappers, and packaging add up, contributing to the growing mountain of plastic waste. It’s a concerning issue, and we won’t just sit back and watch. At BestBüds, we’ve always believed in doing our part for the planet. The thing is, we can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re so excited to announce that we are partnering with [Re] Waste!
[Re] Waste specializes in working with cannabis businesses like ours to take all that plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills and turn it into something useful again. It’s recycling at its best, and we’re proud to be a part of it.
We’re committed to making the cannabis industry a little greener, one recycled package at a time. In this blog, we’ll dive into how our partnership with [Re] Waste will turn recycled packaging into a win for everyone.
Why It Matters
Have you ever thought about where all the plastic goes after you’re done with your cannabis products? Too much of it clogs our oceans, harms wildlife, and messes with our planet’s natural beauty. It’s ironic that an industry that benefits from Mother Earth doesn’t necessarily go the extra mile to take care of her.
However, we believe the cannabis sector has the potential to lead by example. Sustainability helps improve the products we enjoy and guides how we care for the world we live in. That’s why sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s a commitment to making sure we’re doing our part to keep our planet green and thriving.
Recycling plastic means less new plastic is made, reducing the demand for fossil fuels and cutting down on greenhouse gasses. Plus, it gives all that plastic a second life! Plastic doesn’t decompose, meaning every piece of plastic ever made still exists somewhere. We want to make real, impactful steps to protect our environment and make sure that the cannabis industry is part of the solution—not the problem.
How It Works
Now, let’s get into the good stuff. How does [Re] Waste do what they do? Here’s a breakdown of their process:
1. Collect
[Re] Waste is all about making recycling as easy and impactful as possible. And because making recycling accessible is key, [Re] Waste distributes special boxes called EcoBins to retail businesses (like BestBüds) for easy disposal of used packaging.
2. Process
Next, [Re] Waste transforms the collected plastic into something usable. This is how they can process the plastic:
-
- Sorting: Packaging is sorted by all the different material types. [Re] Waste has partnered with Goodwill to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities. When we recycle through [Re] Waste, we not just making an environmental impact, we’re creating meaningful employment.
- Granulate: This process is like giving plastic a second life, shredding it into tiny pieces that are perfect for further processing. Some of the flakes can even be turned into pellets.
- Size Reduction: By making everything smaller, it’s easier and cheaper to transport. Efficiency is key.
- Densify: This is about squishing the plastic waste down into dense blocks or pellets, making it a breeze to store or ship. However, [Re] Waste focuses on granulating the material over all other processes.
3. Manufacture
Now, for the really cool part. [Re] Waste takes all that processed plastic and turns it into 100% recycled products. They’ve got a range of items, from durable plastic sheets that are useful for a bunch of applications, to rolling trays and doob tubes for the cannabis community. Everything supports the circular economy, keeping things sustainable and stylish. [Re] Waste has just launched Circular Packaging which is recycled cannabis packaging made for the cannabis industry.
4. Audit
But wait, there’s more! [Re] Waste helps businesses like ours figure out our plastic footprint and find ways to do even better. They can do a one-month audit to see where we’re at with our plastic use and help us plan to keep more of it out of landfills and oceans. Plus, they put all this data into reports we can share, showing everyone how we’re doing our part.
How YOU Can Help
Got any empty cannabis packaging lying around? Don’t just toss it in the trash, bring it to BestBüds! We’ve set up a super easy system in our dispensary for you to drop off your used plastic packaging. This isn’t limited to just the stuff you buy from us; all cannabis packaging is welcome. By doing this, you’re getting rid of clutter responsibly and contributing to a cycle that turns old products into new ones without needing more plastic.
Use Our Recycling Bins
When you come by, you’ll notice we have these specially designed recycling boxes, thanks to [Re] Waste. They’re hard to miss and easy to use. Here are all the materials that [Re] Waste will accept:
- Plastic containers
- Mylar bags
- Glass containers
- Vapes & vape cartridges
- Cardboard & paper
- Tin containers
We’ll take care of the rest, ensuring that your plastics are sent off to [Re] Waste to be turned into something awesome.
Spread the Word
This is a team effort, and the more players we have, the bigger impact we can make. Tell your friends, your family, and even that random acquaintance who also enjoys the greenery about how they can participate. Share it on social media, shout it from the rooftops (safely) and let’s get everyone in on this recycling revolution.
Stay Informed
We’re always looking for ways to make our planet a bit greener, and staying informed is critical. Keep an eye on our socials and our blog for updates, tips, and more ways you can help out. Plus, we love hearing your ideas on how we can do even better, so don’t be shy!
We can’t help but feel excited about the path we’re on with [Re] Waste by our side. This partnership is a movement towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious cannabis industry. By joining forces, BestBüds and [Re] Waste are tackling the plastic problem head-on and inviting our community—yes, you!—to be a part of this transformative mission.
Let’s do this together, BestBüds fam. The planet and future generations will thank us!
