In an article written by Rebecca Smithers; for The Guardian. The article highlighted new research into plastic waste and recycling. This research found that the British public on average uses 480 plastic bottle per year. Yet only recycle 44% of them. Resulting in these bottles ending up in landfill. Consequently these plastic bottle take up to 450 years to biodegrade during this time chemicals from the composition are leeching into the environment. We have the responsibility to reduce the amount of plastic bottles going to landfill.
Use Less Stuff Day is about raising the public’s awareness on the amount of “stuff” they send to landfill; that has the potential for reuse or recycling. We live in a world where resources are finite and conserving those resources should be a priority. The day is all about re-using, patching up and recycling rather than throwing them away.
Recycling
Do you know the potential of your recyclable goods? Not all councils offer all these recycling opportunities from the home but if you take your waste to your local recycling center they will be able to take this waste from you and recycle it, in accordance with government guidelines. The following list shows the journey of your recycling and the end products.
-
Paper & Cardboard
Paper is processed and pulped to create news print which can be recycled many times more. Cardboard is processed make more packaging, paper and the covering material on plasterboard.
-
Cooking Oil
Some councils recycle Cooking Oil; which ends its journey in Liverpool, England as Biodiesel.
-
Earth & Rubble
Separating rubble and earth will categorize pieces into size. Ending the recycling process coupled with virgin aggregates such as sand and gravel.
-
Electrical Items
After removing hazardous chemicals from each item; they are then stripped of their metal components. Metal components are then melted down and moulded into new components. Depending on its content; plastic coverings can also enter the recycling cycle.
-
Household Batteries
Sorting the batteries into chemistry type is the most important step in the recycling process. Batteries are often turned into new batteries or even transformed into products for the Steel Industry.
-
Food
Food waste ends up in compost bins, which is achievable in the home. As a result the new soil fertilises old, tired soil.
-
Cans
Steel and Aluminium cans are separated; aluminium cans are recycled into new cans. Steel cans have a larger potential such as engine parts.
-
Glass
Is crushed, cleaned and made back into new bottles and jars.
-
Plastics
PET bottles (Polyethylene Terephthalate) the plastic used for food, cosmetic and detergent containers. Returning to its former state, creating a new container for the same use. Granulating other bottles creates a variety of products such as: fleeces, watering cans and even the filling for winter jackets.
Wheelie Bins Direct2U offers a huge range of wheelie bins and recycling bins. From 50L to 360L colour coded wheelies bins that will suit any multi stream recycling waste needs. Additionally; push, bottle and paper lids specially designed for the bins without ever needing to lift the lid makes recycling easier and more hygienic.
Wheelie Bins Direct2U prides itself on its range of tailor made recycling solutions. From indoor to outdoor. Yellow to aqua. Paper lid to commingle lids. We offer everything you could possibly need to start your recycling journey today.
Reusing or Re Purposing
Re using or re purposing items instead of them heading to landfill is becoming more and more popular, mainly through the trend of “shabby -chic”.
The advantages or re-using or re-purposing any items are:
- Eliminating waste going to landfill; we need to limit the size of landfills for our future generations.
- Reduces Pollution; certain plastics can leach toxins into the earth as they break down, the less of this plastic sent to landfill the better. Landfill sites create an enormous amount of methane gas, a contributing factor to climate change.
- Conserves raw materials;
- Saves money; You can make new products from your old ones. This can however be expensive outlay if you do not have the tools to complete your project.
Here are some examples of reusing and re purposing that we found particularly interesting, by Good Housekeeping blog:
REUSE: a squeezey ketchup bottle for your pancake batter
RE PURPOSE: bottle, cups and other containers to make unique light shades
REUSE: jars to make perfectly portioned meals
RE PURPOSE: an old door into an upright mirror
Blogger Lauren Singer documents her journey on becoming waste free. Inspired by her love for the environment and her studies in Environmental Studies but most note worthy; her goal to become more environmentally sustainable. She describes the path to being zero waste as never-ending but never discouraging. It takes a constant effort to evaluate products that are potential purchase and the transition to downsize and disposing of items. Ultimately the main concern is how to substitute plastic and throw away items for ones that are reusable.
Let us know your opinions on becoming zero-waste. As well as how you think it could benefit not only you but also your environment? How are you going to use less “stuff” in the future?