| In the past few years, there has been a big push for | | | | continues to increase. The recycling industry has |
| our society to be more environmentally conscious | | | | recently seen tremendous growth due to the green |
| and businesses to operate in a more sustainable | | | | initiative, as well as the current high market value of |
| manner. In many cases, an organization's image | | | | precious metals. As more materials are shipped to |
| depends on how it participates in the community and | | | | local recycling centers, these facilities are increasing |
| whether or not it operates responsibly. In general, | | | | their environmental exposure, sometimes without |
| people are becoming more aware of the planet and | | | | knowing it. Materials may arrive that cannot be |
| of the consequences of not taking care of the | | | | recycled, thus proper disposal is required. The influx |
| environment. That being said, there are some | | | | of goods means longer periods of storage. The |
| obstacles to overcome when making the shift to a | | | | recycling machines are running for longer periods of |
| more "green" lifestyle, as this change can actually | | | | time, consuming more fuel. Owners of these facilities, |
| increase environmental/pollution exposures. | | | | as well as waste water treatment plants and landfills, |
| All you have to do is walk through the light bulb aisle | | | | should make sure they are adequately protected by |
| at Lowe's to see an example of some of the new | | | | considering an environmental insurance policy. Since |
| products that are designed with the reduction of | | | | many of these activities are excluded from General |
| waste in mind. Is it possible that one halogen light | | | | Liability policies, it is crucial that the right insurance is in |
| bulb could last over five years? As these new | | | | place to fill these coverage gaps. |
| long-lasting bulbs become part of the sustainable | | | | The movement toward environmental sustainability |
| movement in many businesses, it's important to | | | | will continue to be a goal for organizations around the |
| know that they actually contain mercury and need to | | | | country. As this activity increases, recycling centers |
| be disposed of correctly once they burn out. Mercury | | | | and other environmental facilities will undoubtedly see |
| is extremely toxic if it is ingested or comes into | | | | an upward trend in operations. By taking the steps to |
| contact with skin; the dangers of this element can | | | | overcome some of the obstacles when "going |
| have devastating effects to people who are | | | | green," organizations will be adequately covered in |
| exposed to it. This exposure could also be present as | | | | the event of an insurance claim and environmental |
| old thermostats are replaced with newer, more | | | | facilities will be better equipped to handle the changes |
| energy efficient models, which may also contain | | | | in their operations. It is the responsibility of all of us |
| mercury. | | | | to do our part to reduce waste and create a more |
| After these, and other similar products, have been | | | | ecologically aware society. Make sure the steps you |
| used and disposed of, the way they are handled in | | | | take to create a green lifestyle will actually benefit |
| recycling centers or trash facilities/landfills also needs | | | | the environment and not cause even more problems. |
| close examination, as the demand for these services | | | | |