The Value of Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE)
to California Public Sector Institutions

As California continues to lead the nation in sustainability and environmental initiatives, public sector institutions are increasingly tasked with meeting rigorous sustainability frameworks. One critical yet often overlooked component of these efforts is the management of carpet waste. The Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) plays a pivotal role in helping these institutions align with California’s sustainability goals, providing valuable resources and solutions for carpet recycling.

Understanding CARE

CARE is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and implementation of market-based solutions for recycling post-consumer carpet. Established in 2002, CARE has significantly impacted the carpet recycling industry by diverting millions of pounds of carpet from landfills and promoting the use of recycled materials in new products.

Benefits to California Public Sector Institutions

1. Compliance with Legislation: California has stringent regulations regarding waste management and recycling, including specific mandates for carpet recycling under the California Carpet Stewardship Program (CCSP). CARE assists institutions in complying with these regulations by offering guidelines, resources, and a network of certified recyclers.
2. Sustainability Goals: By partnering with CARE, public sector institutions can make substantial progress toward their sustainability targets. Recycling carpet not only reduces landfill waste but also conserves natural resources and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Cost Savings: Effective carpet recycling can lead to significant cost savings. CARE helps institutions identify cost-effective recycling solutions, reducing the expenses associated with landfill disposal fees and the procurement of new materials.
4. Community and Environmental Impact: Engaging in carpet recycling through CARE allows institutions to contribute positively to their communities by supporting local recycling businesses and reducing environmental pollution.

The Role of Green Technology in Facilitating Connections

Green Technology, a non-profit initiative, serves as a vital link between state and local governments, schools, colleges, and sustainability resources like CARE. Focused on promoting sustainable practices within the public sector, Green Technology provides education, resources, and networking opportunities to stakeholders responsible for building management and sustainability compliance.

How Green Technology Can Help

1. Educational Workshops and Conferences: Green Technology organizes events that bring together sustainability professionals, including workshops on carpet recycling. These events provide valuable insights into best practices and connect public sector institutions with experts from CARE.
2. Resource Hub: As a comprehensive resource hub, Green Technology offers access to a wealth of information on sustainability initiatives.
3. Networking Opportunities: Green Technology facilitates networking among public sector institutions, recyclers, and sustainability experts. By creating these connections, Green Technology helps institutions share experiences and solutions, fostering a collaborative approach to meeting sustainability goals.
4. Support Services: Green Technology offers tailored support services to assist institutions in implementing sustainability programs. This includes connecting them directly with CARE representatives who can provide personalized assistance and solutions for carpet recycling.

Understanding CARE

CARE is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and implementation of market-based solutions for recycling post-consumer carpet. Established in 2002, CARE has significantly impacted the carpet recycling industry by diverting more than five billion pounds of carpet from landfills and promoting the use of recycled materials in new products.

 Compliance with Legislation

CARE administers the California Carpet Stewardship Program, which is charged with meeting the requirements for carpet recycling set by the California law AB 2398 (and subsequent legislation) and managed by CalRecycle. CARE assists institutions in complying with these regulations by offering guidelines, resources, and a network of certified recyclers.

You can connect with representatives from CARE at the Green California Schools & Higher Education Summit in Pasadena on the 13^th of November. See you there!