EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOLLOWING GLOBAL RECYCLING DAY
Following Global Recycling Day – which took place on Monday 18th March, there’s an opportunity for all of us to consider our packaging usage and ask ourselves: are we really doing the best we can when it comes to recycling?
If you are looking for a bit of advice on ways to live more sustainably, read on and see how doing your bit for the environment is easier than you might think.
These are our top tips to become a true eco-warrior overnight:
Where you bin – no, where you wheelie bin?
Do you have different bins in your home for food waste, recycling and non-recyclable rubbish? You’re already on to a winner. There’s so much packaging that is recyclable nowadays that your recycling bin can be the biggest of the lot.
Not only does separating waste mean your bins are less likely to overflow, it also encourages you to take a step back and consider where your waste should go. If you haven’t started this already, now is your chance. Remember to flatten your cardboard boxes to make the best use of space in your recycling bin. Check out your local council’s website to find out how your waste is collected, as this can differ depending on the area that you live in.
Order of the day
If you’re an online shopaholic with a constant stream of deliveries, you’ll know the familiar sight of boxes and packages at your door. If your order comes in a cardboard box, the good news is that it can be recycled – in fact, corrugated cardboard has the best recycling rate in the UK. If your delivery comes in another material, take a look to see if it can also be recycled.
If you’re not sure, ask the retailer, or for your next purchase, do some research and choose sites that provide sustainable packaging – like cardboard.
Grab a slice of the recycling action
Treating yourself to a takeaway pizza, but don’t know what to do with the box? Our top tip is to check the material. If it’s made from cardboard (which they usually are) then it will be recyclable. If you’re worried about the grease, then fear not. Light traces, stains, marks or residues from contact with food won’t stand in the way of it being recycled. Simply wipe off your pizza crusts and chuck the box in the recycling bin – flattened, of course.
Know the logos
Don’t be afraid to ask for help on what you can and can’t recycle. A good place to start is to learn the logos (check out what they all mean here). If you need any advice or guidance on recycling specifically in your area, have a chat with your local council.
Together we can make a difference
So, get inspired by Global Recycling Day and get involved today.
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something and together we can do anything.