A journalist worth her or his salt brings some skepticism to the table.
A skeptical editor asks probing questions in an effort to gain answers that deliver a better story for readers.
Take the issue of sustainability, for example, where some companies revert to “greenwashing” by making unsubstantiated environmental claims. In this instance, a pinch of skepticism at this end helps you as a reader to better understand what makes the package environmentally friendly, be it source reduction, recycled/recyclable materials, less energy used in package production, etc. Gaining credible answers benefits readers and product manufacturers.
Unlike skepticism, cynicism refers to “a morose, surly, or sarcastic person; a skeptic about people, motives and actions,” according to my Webster’s Dictionary, Thesaurus & Atlas. Perhaps it’s the political and economic environment we live in today, but cynicism seems to be thriving. I didn’t stay up late enough on work nights to ever “get” Conan O’Brien (insert your own cynical thought here), but I did see his last TV show and applaud his commentary against cynicism.
It’s easy to be both skeptical and cynical about the concept of spending money to make money, but in an economy purportedly driven 65% by consumer spending, it’s up to each of us to help strengthen a recovery. In the packaging space, that means active involvement in organizations and associations that support the packaging function. It means helping to steer the development of industry standards. And it means attending the wealth of packaging-centric trade shows on this year’s calendar. HealthPack, Interphex, the Healthcare Packaging Conference & Workshops, and Pack Expo Intl., are just a few of these events, which you can read about in this issue.
There’s a return on investment in the knowledge you gain from conferences and from learning about new technology at industry events, all of which you can take home to make your business more cost-effective. There’s a ROI in buying machinery that increases efficiency, reduces energy consumption, or helps your business gain entry into new markets. There’s a ROI in materials that offer greater barrier properties, use less material, or improve machinability on your packaging line. So participate in decision-making committees, attend packaging events, evaluate machinery, materials, and processes that will provide a return on investment for your company, and spend some time and money to make a difference.
-Jim Butschli, Editor
