6 Bad Recycling Habits
Recycling is becoming increasingly important, as we are using up the worlds resources faster than we can turn them back into resources. If this carries on, maybe there will not be enough to sustain us as we know it.
Every day we dispose of tons and tons of garbage that could potentially be used again – if everyone gets on the recycling bandwagon. We should all do our bit, no matter if it is a small change; it could have a big, positive effect in the future.
1. Assuming an Item Isn’t Recyclable
The majority of food and beverage distribution companies these days are doing their bit by creating recyclable packaging. Always have a good look around the packaging for the recycling symbol or do a quick Google search.
If you are still in doubt, check your local county councils website that has a wealth of information on what to recycle, and where your nearest centres are situated.
2. Throwing Away Plastic Bottle Caps
The plastic bottle caps should be thrown in to the garbage before you recycle your plastic bottles. Leaving them on hampers the process of its re-generation, and the sorting machine will not be able to process the bottle.
3. Recycling Dirty Paper and Cardboard
Once paper or cardboard has been soiled with grease or dirt, it is not fit to be recycled. To save wasting even more paper or cardboard, the soiled items should be separated and thrown in the garbage. Dirty items getting mixed up with clean items will result in more wastage.
4. Throwing Away Plastic Bags
Plastic carrier bags can take around 1000 years to break down at a landfill. Many times these bags get blown away and end up in the sea, or in an area where it could harm wildlife.
The best way to prevent this is – stop using them. Get a bag for life made of jute or cotton; many supermarkets sell these and will replace if they break down. If you have a buildup of carrier bags then reuse them or donate them back to the shops.
5. Recycling Before Repurposing
Recycling still consumes energy – your first thought should be to try and reuse as much as possible. Try to purchase durable goods, buy from second hand outlets and donate unwanted items to charitable organisations, so other people have the chance to use them.
6. Removing Staples from Paper or Cardboard
This is no longer necessary. The recycling facility will screen the items for any contaminants such as paper clips and staples and remove them. It will be washed to remove any glue (from envelopes), and any ink.
Recycling, in the long run, is what we need to do to save our planets resources, and cut down on expenses. Recycling an object uses less energy than if it is made from scratch, thus being more cost-effective and environment-friendly.
Our planet is the only place we have to live on and it needs us to look after it now – not when it is too late. Do your part to look after your environment, and start recycling now and avoid bad recycling habits.
