Going Green Becoming Popular in Our Region

Companies Work to Reduce Their Environmental Footprint

A new way for businesses to reduce their environmental footprint is developing in the McAllen/Texas – Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico region. According to the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, product remanufacturing, warranty repair and mass customization has become more than just a trend for companies. Several companies are already utilizing these techniques by setting up a manufacturing plant in McAllen MSA or Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico. When a consumer returns the product to the store where they purchased it, either because they changed their mind or because of defects, the product is then shipped to a plant in our region. The “cycle” or “loop” is closed when the manufacturing plants receive the product and it is then taken apart and examined for defects. If possible, the product is repaired and will be put back on the shelves as a refurbished product. If the product can’t be repaired then the pieces are unassembled and recycled for future use, nothing is dumped in the local landfills. Bissell Inc., who has a plant locally, has been a leader in how companies are going green by utilizing product remanufacturing.

President and CEO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation, Keith Patridge, comments, “We are seeing an increase in companies wanting to ‘Go Green’ globally and several companies have found a way to reduce their environmental impact by reusing what they can.” Patridge continues, “Companies are adding reuse operations in McAllen, Texas –Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico because of our strategic geographic location. By going green, companies are not only reducing their environmental footprint, but they also are saving money.”

In fact, major retailers such as Costco Wholesale Corporation are already offering easy ways for their customers to help reduce their environmental impact. Costco offers their Trade-In and Recycle Program, an internet service that enables customers to turn in old electronic devices, from gaming systems to computers, even old monitors and old printers, in exchange for Costco merchandise discounts. By visiting http://www.costco.com/, the customer would enter their product information, for example a 1st generation Nano IPod with 1 GB of memory, and the calculated trade-in-value would be $20.

The McAllen Economic Development Corporation is a not-for profit organization under contract with the City of McAllen to create jobs and generate revenues for the citizens of McAllen by attracting new industry and helping existing companies to expand.
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