National Consumer Protection Week--A Win-Win for Consumers and the Environment in Rhode Island

National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is March 3-9.  This is an annual campaign, coordinated by government agencies and non-profit organizations to encourage the public to know and exercise their rights as consumers and to make better-informed decisions.  Last year, the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General sponsored several “shred-a-thons” with partner Doc Shredding Corp. a National Association for Information Destruction certified information destruction contractor. Rhode Islanders turned out in droves to safely dispose of confidential documents. It was so successful that Attorney General Peter Kilmartin has announced an expanded schedule of shred-a-thons this year across the state.  

The Attorney General’s Office reported that last year’s effort resulted in shredding nearly nine tons of materials, which was then recycled and kept out of local landfills.  The events also collected over 600 pounds of food for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. As great as it is to divert 9 tons of waste from landfills, here are some impressive statistics on what else this means.  According to the EPA, just ONE ton of paper recycled is equivalent to the following: 

Green teams take note.  You can encourage your employees to participate in similar events during National Consumer Protection week that are scheduled in your local areas.  Check out the NCPW website for leads and links.

For information and details on locations and hours for the Rhode Island shred-a-thons, see Attorney General Kilmartin's web page. Click here.