Be Smart Be Green Recyclable Living is a concept that has been developed by environmentalists who believe that if we could recycle our everyday items we would be more energy efficient and help protect the environment. While some might think that this is too difficult or unrealistic, we can find simple solutions to make our life easier and a lot more sustainable.
Common household items that contain recycled materials
If you want to start Recyclable Living, there are a number of common household items that you can reuse or recycle. They range from the small to the large. However, you need to know what is actually recyclable and where to find a good recycling program in your area.
The best way to figure out what is recyclable in your area is to check with your local trash collector. You should also look for information on hazardous waste facilities and how to dispose of household hazardous waste. Some of the more common household items that can be recycled include paints, solvents, and aerosol cans.
One of the easiest things to recycle is paper. You can recycle newspaper, grocery bags, and FedEx envelopes. Many packaging stores accept Styrofoam packing blocks.
Plastics are also recyclable. Empty metal cans and food packaging can be recycled. For example, you can use empty pizza boxes for the recycling bin. Likewise, milk cartons can be recycled.
Environmental and health hazards
The environmental and health hazards associated with throwing away waste of all shapes and sizes is more than a bit of a concern, particularly in a country like the US where the sheer volume of trash is a serious problem. A recent study by the US Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that we will produce about a third more waste than we did in 2006. The good news is that there are a few things we can do to reduce the waste heap, including reducing our carbon footprint, recycling more, and promoting responsible recycling. To help kick start this process, the DOE has set up a public waste consultation website. There is also a useful waste-free resource center located in the city of Denver. Its mission is to improve the public’s understanding of waste and to improve the collection, processing, recycling, and disposal of waste, and ensure that the most valuable resources are utilized in the most effective manner.
TerraCycle business model
TerraCycle is a company specializing in the recycling of waste. This includes recyclable and non-recyclable plastics and materials. The company sells these materials to customers and processes them into new products.
TerraCycle operates in 21 countries. It generates millions of dollars in revenue from partnerships with brands. These revenues fund its recycling programs for partner companies. Some of its partners include Coca-Cola, Nestle, and Procter & Gamble.
In addition to the revenue that it generates, TerraCycle also creates a variety of services to help people recycle. For example, it offers zero-waste boxes.
TerraCycle also works with processing companies on logistics. TerraCycle has developed custom solutions for businesses to recycle their waste.
TerraCycle is working to expand its operations. They plan to add refillable containers to grocery stores in the U.S. next year.
TerraCycle is the world’s leading recycling company. Their goal is to help the public understand the burden of waste. Many consumers are becoming more aware of the impact of their choices. Consumers have started to demand that brands be transparent about their sustainability efforts.
Legislation to deal with plastic pollution and recycling
Plastic pollution and recycling are major issues in the United States. Ninety-nine percent of all plastic waste is not recycled, which ends up in landfills. This results in irreparable damage to our environment, wildlife, and local communities.
Fortunately, the United States is already taking action domestically and internationally. The federal government has considered a national approach to the issue, while the country’s leading institutions have stepped up their efforts to reduce plastic waste.
California passed a groundbreaking law earlier this year. It requires producers to reduce the use of single-use plastics by 25 percent by 2032. While the bill is lauded as a move towards a more sustainable future, some environmental groups worry that the legislation gives the plastics industry too much power.
A group of legislators, businesses, and environmental interests convened to develop a plan to address the crisis. They formed the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. Their goal is to create a system that shifts the burden of plastic pollution and recycling from consumers to producers.