Finding Common Ground on Conservation: A Call for Bipartisanship

In a recent op-ed piece for The Post and Courier, Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging, sheds light on a hopeful paradox amidst the intense political divisions of our time. While citizens may be deeply divided on some issues, there is a significant consensus on others that have managed to escape partisan framing. One such unifying issue is conservation.

Wes emphasizes that when the term “environment” is associated with climate change, it often leads to a divide between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats are seen as the party of climate action, while Republicans may default to an anti-environmental stance, even if they personally hold conservationist values. This political trap overlooks the fact that a vast majority of Americans are concerned about toxic chemicals, plastic pollution, and threats to drinking water. With over 175 million outdoor enthusiasts in the country, the issue of conservation resonates strongly across the political spectrum.

Historically, the Republican Party was the original champion of the environment. Prominent Republicans like Theodore Roosevelt and Richard Nixon played pivotal roles in the conservation movement and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency. Today, there is no “pro-litter” constituency; no one wants microplastics in their blood or forever chemicals in their food. This presents an opportunity for a new bipartisanship focused on policies that benefit both the environment and American business.

One such policy is the modernization of our country’s waste management system. Currently, the United States recycles only half of its aluminum, a third of its glass, and a mere 8% of its plastic. This inefficiency costs us billions of dollars annually and fails to meet the tremendous economic demand for clean, high-quality recycled materials. Advanced robotics and AI can revolutionize waste recovery facilities, while next-generation materials can reduce the waste stream at its source. With the right tax incentives and investments, American manufacturing ingenuity can be unleashed to create jobs, reduce dependence on virgin resources, and position the United States as a leader in the transition to a circular economy.

Wes’s op-ed illustrates that a smarter approach to conservation aligns with core conservative values such as stewardship, efficiency, and economic opportunity. By recognizing that waste is detrimental to business, health, and the environment, both parties can work together to implement pragmatic solutions with broad public support. This cooperation can set a precedent for addressing other pressing environmental and health challenges, rekindling bipartisanship in service to public health, the environment, and American business.

At Atlantic Packaging, we are committed to supporting sustainability and conservation in all our areas of influence. As a major provider of sustainable packaging solutions, we understand the critical role of protecting our environment for future generations. We invite you to join us in this important conversation and work together towards a sustainable future.

March 25, 2025 – Atlantic Packaging has elevated its support to become the newest Pinnacle Member of The Conservation Alliance (TCA), it was announced today by TCA Executive Director Paul Hendricks.

“Since initially joining as a member of The Conservation Alliance in 2022, Atlantic Packaging has brought an important and unique voice to the work we do,” said Hendricks in making the announcement. “As a Pinnacle member, their elevated level of support will allow TCA to go above and beyond in our advocacy and grantmaking efforts to protect our most cherished wild places.”

Founded nearly 80 years ago, Atlantic Packaging has consistently pioneered innovative solutions within the packaging industry, placing sustainability at the forefront of its mission. Through its global initiative, A New Earth Project, Atlantic showcases a deep commitment to the health and well-being of future generations by accelerating regenerative business practices and advancing responsible packaging solutions. Atlantic’s longstanding industry leadership, combined with A New Earth Project’s collaborative network of athletes, artists, and conservationists, uniquely positions the company to amplify the impact of this Pinnacle membership and drive meaningful conservation outcomes.

“I’m thrilled that Atlantic Packaging and A New Earth Project are elevating our membership to the Pinnacle level,” said Wes Carter, president of Atlantic Packaging, founder of A New Earth Project, and a valued board member of TCA. “We believe TCA represents the best model for industry collaboration toward conservation. By making this commitment, we aim to advance regenerative business practices and inspire other businesses to prioritize protecting our wild places.”

Atlantic Packaging joins a prestigious roster of Pinnacle Members including BMO, Clif Family Foundation, KEEN, Osprey, Patagonia, Peak Design, Public Lands Fund, REI, and The North Face. These companies elevate their giving to TCA because they believe that the future of business depends on a healthy planet, uniting under a shared vision of conservation to protect outdoor spaces, create jobs, strengthen local communities, and provide for future generations.

About The Conservation Alliance
The Conservation Alliance harnesses the power of businesses from a wide range of industries to protect outdoor spaces and wild places. We drive a proactive agenda to protect nature utilizing strategic advocacy and grantmaking, leveraging business influence, and building deep partnerships with grassroots organizations and local communities to collectively deliver high impact conservation outcomes, protecting North America’s outdoor places and wild spaces for everyone. Since 1989, we’ve awarded over $33.5 million in grants and helped protect over 124 million acres and 4,964 river miles, remove or halt 43 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas, and designate five marine reserves and one national marine sanctuary. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit www.conservationalliance.com.

About Atlantic Packaging and A New Earth Project

Atlantic Packaging is the largest privately held packaging company in North America and demonstrates its dedication to sustainability and climate action as the first packaging company in North America to set a net-zero science-based target through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and achieve an A score from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Atlantic creates custom, innovative packaging programs by providing end-of-line packaging systems, high-performance materials, warehousing, and just-in-time delivery.

Atlantic’s global brand, A New Earth Project, accelerates the transition to a circular economy by developing New Earth Approved—Packaging Solutions for a Healthy Planet—a portfolio of responsible alternatives designed to protect both products and the environment. A New Earth Project is a movement grounded in a deep commitment to the health and well-being of future generations, ensuring that the materials we use today support a cleaner, more regenerative tomorrow. For more information, visit www.atlanticpkg.com and www.anewearthproject.com.