Our planet is a unique place in the cosmos. It offers the air we need to breathe, the protection we need from natural radiation, and the environmental conditions we need to produce food and thrive. All of us have a unique obligation to prevent pollution and take care of our planet in the best way we can. Recycling is key to this goal because it protects mother nature from waste that can have a huge negative impact on the environment. In this article, we look at 5 recycling tips that everyone can adopt to facilitate a better world four ourselves and our future generations.
1.Reduce, reuse, and recycle
The first step towards your recycling journey is to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Reduce the amount you consume, and make conscious choices when consuming products and services. It also helps to ‘reuse’ waste materials from products that you have already consumed. If something is broken, then it may make more sense to fix it rather than replace it. Some producers allow consumers to return products to them so they can recycle them on an industrial scale. Think about the reduce, reuse, and recycle paradigm when using anything from electronics to water bottles.
2. Know what to recycle
You can’t recycle effectively if you don’t know what can be recycled. Start by checking out recycling rules in your local area to see what can be processed and what can’t. Different cities have different guidelines when it comes to this. Examples of items that can be recycled include plastic bottles, paper and cardboard products, metals such as aluminum and steel cans, as well as glass such as food jars and wine/liquor bottles. Examples of items that may not be recycled include loose plastic bags, polystyrene foam cups (e.g. egg cartons), soiled food items, and fast-food packaging.
3. Get a recycling bin in each room
Getting a bin in each room is a simple but often understated recycling tip. Many recycling families just put a bin in the kitchen and forget the other rooms. This results in a lot of otherwise recyclable materials going to the trash. Keep a bin in the bathroom to collect toilet paper rolls, pill bottles, empty containers, and packaging. Make sure that you have a bin in your craft room or office where you can collect old files, printer paper, flyers, bottles, and pamphlets. A bin in the garage will be a repository for bottles, jars, project waste, etc. You get the point!
4. Recycle electronics products
The technology revolution of the last 50 years has resulted in landfills that are full of cellular phones, printers, computers, TVs, and more. Rather than throwing your old appliances and obsolete tech gadgets in the trash, get in touch with your local electronics provider to see if they have a recycling option. Even if the local store does not have a recycling service itself, it’ll likely connect you with companies that can help. Keep in mind that many electronics products are dangerous when discarded in the trash.
5. Recycle water at every chance
Water is a fantastic resource. Before you pour more down the drain, find ways to recycle it in your home. For instance, wastewater from the kitchen could be used to water the flower bed. Think about how any water you collect after washing clothes, bathing, or cleaning dishes can be used to keep your lean and landscape greener and fresher. There is simply no limit to how you can recycle water in your home if you are determined to.
In addition to these recycling tips, it may also help to buy recycled products, recycle food in a do-it-yourself bin, as well as rinse and repeat used of containers before putting them in your recycling bin.