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Recycling Basics

Ever since I moved to New York, I've noticed that a lot of people don't give recycling the attention it deserves — which seriously is a big no no!

Recycling is not only essential but also a collective responsibility to keep our planet as healthy as possible. Together, we can make a difference by reducing waste that ends up in landfills and preserving our beautiful home called Earth.

Recycling is not only important but it helps divert waste from landfills and incinerators, playing a crucial role in preventing pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By recycling, we minimize the need to mine and process new raw materials, thus conserving natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals.

It's disheartening to realize that many companies I've worked for (I won't name names) also fail to prioritize proper recycling. This disregard for recycling is incredibly damaging to our planet. Imagine these big businesses proudly bragging about their sustainability while neglecting to recycle behind the scenes. It's not just frustrating, but infuriating too!

Recycling is a collective effort and it's not about labeling people as "good" or "bad" based on their recycling habits or littering behaviors. It's about working together and educating others to save our planet and create a sustainable future!

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Recycling Symbols

Believe it or not, there are 7 recycling symbols! Shocking, right?!

Understanding these recycling symbols helps us make informed choices about disposing of plastic products properly. By recycling, we contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Symbol 4: LDPE

LDPE = low-density polyethylene, which is used in the form of shopping bags, highly-resistant sacks, and crushed bottles. LDPE is not commonly recycled, but it can be converted into floor tiles and shipping envelopes.

Symbol 5: PP

PP = polypropylene plastic. Polypropylene plastic is a durable, lightweight plastic used in furniture, luggage, toys, and car parts. PP is considered one of the safer types of plastic, making it suitable for ketchup bottles and medicine bottles. It is increasingly accepted in curbside recycling programs.

Symbol 6: Styrene or PS

Styrene plastic, also known as polystyrene (PS). This plastic is commonly found in toys, hard packaging, refrigerator trays, cosmetic bags, costume jewelry, CD cases, and vending cups. While not accepted in many curbside recycling programs, it can be recycled to make egg cartons, take-out containers, and rulers.

Symbol 7: Other

"Other plastics," includes acrylic plastic, polycarbonate plastic, polylactic fibers, nylon, and fiberglass. Not all plastics in this category can be recycled, but both acrylic and polycarbonate can be. They can be reheated without a loss in quality. Use caution with symbol 7 plastics and check with your local recycling program for acceptance. Acrylic plastic, for example, is commonly used in food storage containers due to its strength and transparency. It is also utilized in signs, shelving, and showcases for its durability.

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Local Recycling Guidelines

When I first moved to a new city, I was surprised to learn that recycling guidelines can vary significantly. For example, when I was living in the Bay Area in California, due to the drought, rinsing before recycling wasn't necessary. However, after moving to New York, I realized that things were A LOT different here. The recycling guidelines had specific requirements that I needed to follow, including rinsing containers before recycling and separating glass, paper and metals.

So, if you’re moving to a new place, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the local recycling guidelines. It's like getting to know a new friend – you want to understand their preferences and expectations. Check out your local government or waste management websites for detailed information on recycling programs, collection schedules, and the types of materials that are accepted in your area.

Being aware of any special requirements or restrictions for recycling in your locality is essential. It ensures that we are all playing our part in recycling correctly and avoiding contamination. By following the guidelines, we contribute to the overall effectiveness of the recycling system and help protect our environment.

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Recycling Mistakes

Here’s 7 common recycling mistakes you should know about to help you and others avoid them!

1. Batteries: Oops! Batteries don't belong in the recycling bin and also not in the trash! They are terrible for the environment. Plus, in this day and age, do we really need batteries when everything can be charged with a cord? If you're still using batteries, it's time to rethink.
   SOLUTION: They need special treatment due to their harmful components. Find designated collection centers or recycling events to dispose of them properly. When batteries corrode, their chemicals seep into the soil and contaminate our water sources. This poses a risk to our ecosystems and even our own health. So let's be smart and seek alternative power sources whenever possible.

2. Plastic bags with recycle symbols: Ah, the tricky plastic bags. They can't be tossed in the regular recycling bin.
   SOLUTION: Take your plastic bags on a little adventure to a local shop or supermarket that has dedicated drop-off points for recycling them. It's like a mini field trip for your bags! If you don't feel like making a trip to the recycling center or local store to drop them off, that's okay! Give them a new purpose by reusing them as trash bags. They fit perfectly in your bathroom bin, so you won't need to buy extra liners. It's a win-win for you and the environment!

3. Bubble wraps or plastic packaging: Bubble wraps may be fun to pop, but sadly, they aren't recyclable.
   SOLUTION: Oh, bubble wraps! They're a packaging nightmare. While it can be challenging to know how a company will package your online purchases, there's always a solution. Reach out to them and kindly inquire if they have alternative packaging options that don't involve bubble wrap. If they can't accommodate your request, consider supporting businesses that prioritize eco-friendly packaging.

4. Plastic cutlery: Say no to plastic cutlery! Instead, start using reusable utensils. They're not only eco-friendly but also add a touch of style to your meals. Plus, who doesn't love a colorful, reusable fork?
   SOLUTION: It breaks my heart to see people using single-use plastic cutlery, especially when there are better alternatives. A solution I choose to do is to bring my own reusable utensils to work for lunch. It's super easy and helps reduce the amount of plastic waste. Just imagine the number of people using plastic utensils every day and then tossing them away — it's shocking! If you're hosting a party or event and need disposable cutlery, go for compostable utensils. They're a much better choice for the planet.

5. Plastic bottle tops: Remember, the journey to recycling doesn't stop at the bottle's neck. Those little bottle tops need to be separated before recycling. The same goes for milk carton caps, juice caps, so on so forth.
   SOLUTION: Make sure to read your state’s guidelines to clarify though, some states want you to put them back on, some would want them separated!

6. Old clothes & shoes: While it's tempting to toss them in the recycling bin, old clothes and shoes don't quite belong in recycle bins!
   SOLUTION: Consider donating them to charity, organizing a clothes swap with friends, or finding creative upcycling projects. Give them a second chance to shine!

7. Unrinsed containers: Ah, the unrinsed containers.
   SOLUTION: Make sure to rinse them out before recycling to avoid contaminating other materials. It's like giving your containers a little bubble bath! You don’t need to have them squeaky clean, just make sure they’re rinsed properly before placing them into your recycle bin

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Overcoming Recycling Challenges

One common misconception is the belief that someone else will clean up after us. But the truth is, if we don't take action, no one else will do it for us. We can't rely on others to clean up our messes. It's time to change that mindset and realize that we each have a part to play.

Another challenge we face is the lack of demand for recycling. It's disheartening to see that some people simply don't care enough to recycle. But here's the thing: as our population grows, so does the amount of waste we generate. We can't afford to ignore recycling any longer. It's time for us to step up and make a difference.

So, what can we do? We can't just sit around and do nothing. We need to take action, starting now. Let's come together as a community and work towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. It's not an easy task, but it’s not rocket science either. With everyone's participation, we can make a significant impact.

Now, let's address some specific recycling challenges that we may encounter:

1. Electronic waste (e-waste): Handling old electronics can be tricky. They often contain hazardous materials and should not be thrown in the regular trash. Look for designated e-waste collection centers or recycling events in your area. These resources will ensure that your electronic items are properly recycled or disposed of.

2. Hazardous materials: Some materials, like certain chemicals or batteries, require special handling due to their harmful nature. Educate yourself about local hazardous waste disposal options. Contact your local waste management authority or visit their website for guidance on how to safely dispose of these materials.

3. Bulky items: Large or bulky items, such as furniture or appliances, can pose a challenge when it comes to recycling. Instead of throwing them away, explore options for donation, reuse, or recycling. Local recycling events or collection centers may accept these items or provide information on how to properly dispose of them.

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Let’s Clean the Earth Together!

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