It can be very depressing when one thinks of all of the trash that we create. We are a disposable society. We buy items with an expected lifespan and when that lifespan is over we throw them away to go to the landfills (and many go to our oceans, rivers and otherwise pristine environments). However I went to an "eco" fair this past weekend where I saw some of the wonderful things that are now being made from recyclable items and those which can be used over again...and/or composted...all of which don't overburden our landfills and don't spoil our environment or kill the wildlife who consume them.
I want to focus on the positive things that are happening. I was encouraged at the fair, to hear about the many companies that have come into the recycling industry recently and to see some of the great things that are being made through recycling ....or with sustainable products like bamboo such as the bamboo utensils to the left in a pouch made of recycled plastic bottles. The pouch has a clip to carry it easily wherever you go and I add my reusable stainless steel straw to the pouch. I also obtained some compostable trash bags at the "eco" fair..
I want to focus on the positive things that are happening. I was encouraged at the fair, to hear about the many companies that have come into the recycling industry recently and to see some of the great things that are being made through recycling ....or with sustainable products like bamboo such as the bamboo utensils to the left in a pouch made of recycled plastic bottles. The pouch has a clip to carry it easily wherever you go and I add my reusable stainless steel straw to the pouch. I also obtained some compostable trash bags at the "eco" fair..
In the U.S., only about 28 percent of all plastic bottles thrown out are recycled. We can do better. The Environmental Protection Agency estimated that recycling facilities processed more than 89 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2014 which was about 35 percent of all waste generated ... but the recycling industry is developing. Many surprising things are now made from recycled plastic... plastic lumber for benches and playground equipment and toys for example.
Old paper is very recyclable. Instead of throwing a newspaper in the trash, think of what it can become... construction paper, kitty litter, sheetrock, building insulation, countertops, paper plates, toilet paper, and boxes like the one shown above.
Metal can be recycled into hundreds of new products. Bike and car parts contain recycled materials and amazingly, it takes 95 percent less energy to make a can from recycled aluminum rather than to manufacture a new one from scratch.
Glass is a very versatile material. It can be repurposed and recycled indefinitely. New containers can be recycled from one ones and even jewelry and building bricks can be made. The necklace below is made of recycled glass from discarded glass bottles.
Old paper is very recyclable. Instead of throwing a newspaper in the trash, think of what it can become... construction paper, kitty litter, sheetrock, building insulation, countertops, paper plates, toilet paper, and boxes like the one shown above.
Metal can be recycled into hundreds of new products. Bike and car parts contain recycled materials and amazingly, it takes 95 percent less energy to make a can from recycled aluminum rather than to manufacture a new one from scratch.
Glass is a very versatile material. It can be repurposed and recycled indefinitely. New containers can be recycled from one ones and even jewelry and building bricks can be made. The necklace below is made of recycled glass from discarded glass bottles.
Sporting goods are often made from recycled materials such as new tennis balls from old tennis, discarded balls, baseball bats from recycled aluminum, and bicycles from old aluminum parts. Fashion items such as purses, activewear, backpacks, hats, cell phone and iPad covers and beanie caps are all being made from recycled materials. Plastic bottles can be broken down and made into t-shirts, sweaters or shoes. Recycled plastic also makes sleeping bags, backpacks and carpeting.
We are also now avoiding the use of many plastics completely by using other materials like corn for the cup and straw pictured above. I have a toothbrush, bathrobe, bed sheets and towels all made out of bamboo. Bamboo grows very fast and is highly sustainable and since bamboo is a plant, it decomposes naturally in the environment. ... This 100% natural and 100% compostable plant can replace plastic.
Let's all jump on board in recycling, reusing and repurposing and in using products that decompose naturally. It is easy to do and will help save our planet!
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