In the future we assume that technology will present us with
the increased possibilities for transforming materials currently fit only for
disposal into marketable commodities. The key to this lies in our ability to add
enough value to a larger portion of the wastestream to make these goods
competitive with traditional materials in the supply chain.
There are many areas in waste management that can profit from
greater technological efforts, but (are you ready for the editorial message?)
none so visible as converting organic residuals to useful commodities, be they
feedstock for new products or the production of energy.
So, yes, technology certainly has a role in dealing with
trash, but that’s not all there is to it. I’d like you to consider technology as
an important recruiting tool for attracting those who will fill our shoes
tomorrow. While we know that waste management offers more opportunities and
challenges than many more seemingly attractive careers, we face an uphill
recruiting battle. So what can we do to lure “the best and the brightest?”
Sad to say, but managing waste responsibly just doesn’t make
great TV fare , so how do we get this message across to young people whose
primary vision of waste management may well have been shaped by The Sopranos?
One way I can think of is by showing that beneath the surface
of a seemingly bland pursuit lies a vibrant, vital, and challenging business in
which technology plays a leading role. We know this, so how do we convey it?
Better still, how do you do your recruiting, what messages have you found to be
most effective, and how have you gotten them out in front of people?