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The world’s population grows every year, and those additional people need more products to support them. The manufacturing industry has risen to the increasing demand by increasing production, but what happens to all that stuff when it’s no longer needed? It gets discarded, but what happens then?
 

While people often think that throwing waste into a recycling bin means it won’t end up in a landfill, is that the truth? Where does our recycling actually go?
 

The world generates approximately 2 billion tons of trash each year. That’s nearly 1 ton of trash for every 3.5 people! Almost 80% of this waste ends up in landfills or in the oceans, which is clearly not a sustainable approach to dealing with the world’s rubbish. The percentage of plastic that’s not recycled is even higher at 91%.

 

Many people think that putting items into recycling bins means the items will be recycled, but that’s often not what actually happens.
 

If these numbers seem large and insurmountable, people shouldn’t give up hope. There are plenty of manufacturers and recycling companies doing their part to reuse these materials and ensure that they end up in a useful form instead of being discarded. But consumers need to do their part as well by buying and disposing of items responsibly.
 

In many areas, residents can simply put their recycling out on the curb and the city will pick up the recycling and process it. In other places, citizens need to take their materials to a dedicated recycling facility, which in some cases will pay for the items people bring in. While the payment for recyclables is relatively small per item, the value can add up over time.
 

While each local recycling situation may vary, everyone should be aware of their recycling options and help protect the environment because the overall health of the environment helps us all.

 

 

What Can Be Recycled?

Not everything can be recycled, and each local processing facility will dictate which types of materials are recyclable. In general, glass, most metals, and some plastics can be recycled. Additionally, in many communities, yard waste can be reused as compost.

It’s important to check local regulations and not assume that everything is recyclable. Putting unrecyclable materials into recycling bins can ruin the process. So consumers need to make sure they understand local rules and follow them to avoid turning otherwise recyclable materials into trash.
 

Components of Sustainable Living

There are three main elements of sustainability: reduce, reuse, and recycle. By following these three R’s, people can lessen their impact on the environment.
 

Reduce

The first component is to reduce the utilization of materials. This means that consumers need to buy less, borrow items that they only need a few times, and accept that they may not need certain items at all. This leads to an overall reduction in the amount of “stuff” that needs to be produced and materials that are used in manufacturing.
 

Another option is to buy high-quality items that will last longer and not need to be regularly replaced. By replacing single-use items with products that will last for years, everyone can effectively lessen their environmental impact.
 

Reuse

Instead of buying something new, is there a used item that would perform the same task? If consumers can buy secondhand items, this means that fewer products need to be created, which helps reduce the impact on the environment.
 

This means holding on to items that you don’t need anymore but might need in the future. Even if you think you may not use something again, you should evaluate its potential value to someone else. Organizations like The Freecycle Network can help match you up with other people who need items that you have to offer — or find available items that other people have.
 

Recycle

If you cannot avoid purchasing an item or find an item secondhand, then you should recycle it when you dispose of it. Recycling involves breaking down used items and using the raw materials to create something new. This helps prevent these things from ending up in landfills or the ocean.

 

Additional Option: Repurpose

Some items can be repurposed for other uses that they were not originally made for. For example, an old tire can be turned into a planter, or discarded wood could be used to make some wall art. The possibilities are endless when it comes to repurposing, and the internet is full of ideas for repurposing or upcycling items.
 

Why do people upcycle? It keeps items out of landfills, provides a creative challenge, and promotes sustainable living.
 

Several companies are working on solutions to reuse materials on a commercial scale by collecting recyclable materials, processing them, and using them in manufacturing. This process means that far fewer new materials need to be used as sources.
 

There are several possible uses for recycled materials. Recycled notebooks have been around for decades, and recycled glass bottles have been around even longer. Recently, companies have expanded their research to include recycled plastic manufacturing, which can result in zero-waste recycling when the entire plastic product can be reused.
 

Consumers are seeking out these options as more people embrace zero-waste living. When people support manufacturers of recycled items, fewer items will end up in landfills or in the oceans. Remember that while recycling is helpful, reducing and reusing the utilization of items is the most effective way to protect the environment.

 

 

Miniwiz is committed to creating furniture and other items using sustainable manufacturing techniques. We utilize single-use items and transform them into building materials, fabrics, and fixtures. Contact us to learn how our solutions can help your efforts in renewable energy growth.

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