At the end of the day, each individual only has so much power and it's up to us to use that power. We'd like to share some tips about recycling in the US and what you can do to make a change in your own life which, in turn, can contribute to the greater whole.
- Recycling in the US is collapsing due to public confusion about what can actually be recycled. When garbage is thrown into the recycling bins, it causes much of what could be recycled to end up in landfills, due to sorting restraints.
- Landfills are one of the biggest contributors to soil pollution
- Recycling plastic saves about twice the amount of energy it takes to burn it
- Over 11 million tons of recyclable clothing, shoes, and textiles make their way into landfills each year.
- The United States throws away $11.4 billion worth of recyclable containers and packaging every year
- It takes 500 years for average sized plastic water bottles to fully decompose.
- According to a study done by the University of Georgia, 18 billion pounds of plastic trash winds up in our oceans each year. To put that in perspective, it’s enough trash to cover every foot of coastline around the world with five full trash bags of plastic…compounding every year.
- Glass bottles take 4,000 years to decompose.
- Aluminum and Glass are infinitely recyclable
- An estimated 80% of glass containers are re-melted and used to make new glass containers.
- After recycling an aluminum can, it is usually repurposed within 60 days.
- Try your best to only buy recycled items – you can find the label on the bottom of your product.
- Have a recycling bin in every room – it’ll encourage you to recycle more materials
- Know what your city collects at curbside
- Remember that you can find ways to recycle most electronic waste. Many electronic stories will either take back the waste or put you in touch with companies that will help you out.
- Recycle the water you use in your home. Something as simple as not running water while you washes dishes or simply pouring used clean water (such as the water you boiled pasta in) will help have an impact on how you view recycling.
- Grocery shop at bulk stores
- Shop local
- REDUCE, REUSE, then RECYCLE
- A simple google search gives you great DIY ideas of how to reuse different items, such as prescription pill and vitamin bottles, both of which are not normally recycled by cities.
In short, we encourage you to consume less, reuse what you have and recycle what you can... support companies that stand behind the ethos of your own life; where you spend your money matters. We appreciate you and your support!