News |
Back To News |
BRUTE® & Enlightenment
The following article was published in the April 2005 edition of Services, a trade publication for Building Services Contractors.
The Zen of Refuse Containers
By Joe DeZarn
The Zen Buddhists focus on The Noble Eightfold Path to Enlightenment, which is comprised of Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. And a very good program it is, if I may venture an opinion. They’ve been working on this for quite a while, and seem to have gotten the thing figured out.
The real trick comes in when you attempt to apply these guidelines to the more mundane matters of day-to-day existence - refuse containers, for example. You might throw your hands in the air and remark, "How can I worry about refuse containers when I’m busy pursuing enlightenment?" Ah, but that’s when the Zen master smiles and thinks to himself, "No enlightenment for you."
The point is that there are NO exceptions to The Noble Eightfold Path, and that means refuse containers, too! So let’s explore the Zen of Refuse Containers together.
The Right View
The Right View is all about getting the Big Picture, appreciating the true nature of things, understanding how it all works. Paying attention to product Lifecycle Costing (LCC) would be an example of an enlightened view of refuse containers. LCC, as a model for managing operational costs, has been around for decades, but is utilized only by the wise few building services contractors. One informed estimate suggests that cleaning and maintenance costs represent 21% of the total cost of a commercial office over a period of 40 years (http://www.niche.com.au/fm/csfm/apr04news_lead.pdf), including capital for construction! Understanding this, purchases of lower quality refuse containers for marginal short-term cost considerations are decidedly unenlightened and short-sighted business decisions.
Right Intention
An enlightened person will not only look after his own conduct, but promote the success of others...at every opportunity...including refuse opportunities. In fact, there are refuse containers designed to promote good behavior - a Large Capacity Recycling Container will promote ecologically responsible behavior; a Groundskeeper™ Smoking Management Receptacle will promote responsible smoking litter disposal. In a dramatic twist on this principle, the Department of Homeland Security believes that a container with clear side panels will discourage bad behavior: the use of refuse containers as places to hide bombs. They have mandated that public transportation facilities choose bomb-proof or clear-sided containers, such as Rubbermaid’s Security Landmark™ Container, for public areas.
Right Time to Finish Up
I could go on straining the application of The Noble Eightfold Path for matters concerning refuse containers, but I won’t. We can fast-forward through the list of Right Stuff to a final consideration, related to Right Livelihood. A quick check of the short list of out-of-bounds occupations confirms that building services contractors and refuse container salesmen are safe and righteous. The world needs people to do what you do. Your business needs you to be wise about what you do. And your suppliers should be prepared to enhance your ability to work smarter, by offering the Right Products at the Right Prices.
Why do the Zen masters choose BRUTE®? Because it is the enlightened choice!
