An introduction to recycling - Madelaine Kiss
Why is recycling important?
Many of us know little about recycling and the importance of it. The word itself means converting waste into reusable material, saving and preserving our precious natural resources and reducing the waste sent to landfill. Recycling not only saves energy, it also helps reduce pollution and creates jobs.
Selective waste collection, however is rather a tool than a goal, because we can do so much more for a lovely, clean and green environment!
So how to get started?
1. Green shopping
The first thing we can do is refuse to pay for packaging! Supermarkets and most of stores would use wrap up everything: two avocados on a tray in a plastic bag, broccoli wrapped in plastic film, packaged fruit, etc. This is totally useless, costs you more money and worst of all non-recyclable! Go to local markets instead, just like your Granny! Markets offer fresher, tastier and cheaper veggies, fruits, a variety of breads and even meat.
Shopping is a decision. It is up to you who you are supporting with your money!
2. Reuse / Repurpose
Many of our everyday household items can be reused instead of being disposed of. The internet is full of great ideas and it only takes some research and a little creativity to repurpose items which you thought were not needed anymore. Think of glass bottles and jars turned into lovely vases or filled with home-made candle, tissue boxes converted into drawer dividers or little bins for your desk/bathroom/car, old wellies shifted to flower pots, cool shopping bags from T-shirts – the possibilities are nearly endless!
Also, if something is broken, try to fix it instead of buying a new one immediately.
You can give a second life to your unwanted clothes or other good quality items, too. Your local charity shops will be glad to receive those, and you will be supporting a good cause, too. So please donate generously!
Unfortunately, we cannot avoid throwing things away, but we can do that the smart way! Collect recyclables separately. Use a paper bag for paper and cardboard as those must be clean and dry, collect glass in a box or crate, start using a bin for biodegradable waste. Check your local government’s website for more information on the recyclable materials in your neighbourhood.