EPRissionista

EPRissionista is a term used to describe individuals or groups who advocate for the adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies. EPR is an environmental policy approach where producers are given significant responsibility for the environmental impact of their products during the full lifecycle of the product, especially at the post-consumer stage. This means producers are responsible for managing and financing the collection, recycling, and disposal of their products once they are no longer wanted by consumers.

EPRissionistas believe that shifting this responsibility to producers incentivizes them to design products that are more durable, reusable, repairable, and recyclable. They argue that this can lead to a more circular economy, reducing waste generation and the need for virgin resources. Proponents often highlight the environmental benefits, such as reduced landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with production and disposal, and the conservation of natural resources.

The movement encompasses a range of stakeholders, including environmental organizations, consumer advocacy groups, and policymakers. They work to raise awareness about EPR, lobby governments for the implementation and strengthening of EPR laws, and promote best practices in product stewardship. EPRissionistas often point to successful EPR programs in various countries for items like electronics, packaging, and batteries as evidence of the policy's effectiveness. Their efforts aim to create a system where the economic burden of waste management is integrated into the cost of the product itself, making producers accountable for the end-of-life phase of their goods.