The Swedish Recycling Industries’ Association is the industry association for private sector recycling companies that have opted to work actively with environment and ethics in their operations, with the goal of creating long-term sustainable recycling. Its members have an annual turnover of 36 billion SEK and over 10,000 employees at facilities across the country. The members collect and recycle waste. 60 percent of the waste is recycled into new raw materials.
“We must learn to use all resources in a proper and ethical manner and clearly, destroying ecosystems or harming people’s health is simply unacceptable. This perspective ought to be fundamental in all activities, and we all need to take that seriously.
Ecocide legislation feels like an obvious step. It should have been implemented ages ago, and I am delighted that the idea is now finally gaining momentum,” says CEO Ellen Einebrant.
Ecocide Law Alliance’ Monica Schüldt took the opportunity to interview Ellen Einebrant.
Why should ecocide be recognized as a criminal offense?
“Public health and the environment are of paramount importance. We must learn to use all resources in a proper and ethical manner and clearly, destroying ecosystems or harming people’s health is simply unacceptable. This perspective ought to be fundamental in all activities, and we all need to take that very seriously.
Many countries have only recently started working with these issues. In Sweden they have been on the agenda for some time now, even though there is room for improvement here as well.”
How does the initiative to criminalize ecocide relate to calls for a circular economy?
“Exploiting resources in a way that harms nature has been too cheap. All too often, breaking environmental regulations has not had appropriate legal consequences. We need much more offensive legislation and tougher penalties for destroying the environment.”
How do you think ecocide legislation would impact recycling efforts?
“To my mind, the main benefit would be a cross-border harmonization in many countries on how we view these matters and how we deal with waste. We could then reduce cross-border streams of irresponsible handling of waste material that harm both the environment and people.”
What motivates you personally to work with recycling issues?
“For me personally, working with these issues is profoundly motivating: to push for effective use of resources, to contribute to lessening climate impact, to protect the environment, to reduce energy use, safeguard biodiversity and, last but not least – in these troubled times – to secure access to raw materials, making us less dependent. Raising awareness and creating better conditions for those involved is, I think, one of the finest things you can be involved in. Recycling is a vital sector, and I am so happy to have the chance to contribute to better conditions for the industry as a whole.”
