RE-UP CYCLE IT
Trash filled beach on tropical island.
Recent studies suggest that recycling in America has plateaued at just under 35%. In the U.S., plastic items are recycled at a rate under 6%. Additionally, Americans waste 40% of all the food produced in a year. These are staggering statistics representing solvable problems. It doesn’t have to be this way. Many communities offer recycling programs and some have started to offer food scrap compositing as well. Let’s look at these two different but related issues as really, it all comes down to you.
Recycling and Upcycling
A few factors are keeping people from fully participating in recycling. One factor is a lack of organized programs, recycling centers or normal pick-ups in local communities. The other is simple confusion over what can be recycled. Often, people “wish-cycle” meaning that they assume certain items - especially plastics - can all go in the recycle bin. Community programs have suffered over the past few years as the pricing for recycled materials has dropped making them less cost effective. But money isn’t the sole reason why recycling is important. New raw materials are becoming a challenge to source due to scarcity or overuse. More and more energy and resources are needed to source new materials. Companies must dig deeper or cut down larger swaths of forest to keep up with market demand. At the same time, perfectly usable materials are thrown away, winding up in landfills as discarded waste. It’s a linear materials stream that will ultimately result in higher prices for goods or possibly bring us to “peak” materials in some cases.
So, how can you help?
First and foremost, make choices that help you to consume less. If you can get materials in reusable containers, make that your first choice. If you can purchase something used, do it. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it. We are drowning ourselves in plastics - so much so, that micro-plastic particles are turning up in our blood and in sea life. We have NO IDEA how this is affecting our health. You can help by reducing plastics in your life wherever you can.
Understand and support businesses who take place in the circular economy. (Learn more here.)
Organize recycling drives in communities where such programs don’t exist.
Reach out to community leaders to indicate your interest in having a recycling program in your local town.
If you use private trash collection at your home, shop for haulers who also offer recycling services.
Set up recycling programs at your place of business or school.
Learn the basics of what can be recycled – the rules have changed.
Don’t forget to recycle electronics and do so responsibly – there may be fees in some areas but these can be offset by recycling items such as small electronics and phones through online services that will pay you for the item. (No really, they are out there and will turn up in an online search. Some merchants even have kiosks to collect these items and provide instant refunds or have take back services).
Buy items that indicate that they were made with recycled content. This will ease the burden on new raw materials and let manufacturers know that there is a market for such products.
Donate unwanted items like clothing and household goods to charities or consignment stores. Even construction materials can be donated.
Try to upcycle items to give them a new life. There are several blogs and online resources that offer ideas on how to make old things new again.
Find local merchants who accept harder to recycle items such as fluorescent bulbs, rechargeable batteries, used toner cartridges, and plastic bags.
Choose items based on how recyclable the material is or use less packaging.
Composting and Food Waste
America wastes a tremendous amount of food. USDA estimates suggest that the number is somewhere around 133 billion pounds each year. (That is 66.5 million tons and $161 billion!) Not only does the food go to waste but the time, energy and resources required to make the food also go away. To make matters worse, food in landfills eventually composts and in doing so, releases tons of methane into the atmosphere. (CH4 or methane is a greenhouse gas and big contributor to climate change!)
There are some steps that you can take to cut down on a big problem:
Start by learning how to compost in your own home. It’s easy and can provide you with natural fertilizer to help with growing your own food or nurturing your landscaping.
Don’t be embarrassed to take food home after a great meal. The leftovers give you another meal and are usually as good as the first time. For extra credit, bring a reusable container with you so you don’t take home a polystyrene container.
Don’t throw food out just because the date has past. Sometimes those dates are not referring to an expiration date but a quality date. A quality date is generally an arbitrary suggestion by the manufacturer on when they think the food may reach “peak” flavor. An expiration date is usually related to food safety. Make sure that you follow refrigeration instructions on labels and use your best judgment. If you are in doubt, there are excellent resources available to provide tips on how to tell if food is good or passed its prime.
Buy only what you need. Be wary about buying in bulk if you know that you’re to going to able to use the item. The money that you think that you have saved is being thrown in the trash.
Use methods of extending the life of fruits and vegetables such a crisper drawers or green bags and compost what didn’t last. Many perishable foods including fruits, vegetables and meats can also be frozen for later use.
Donate what you can’t use to local food banks or shelters. There is always someone in need!
As a good citizen, pay attention to ballot items discussing these issues during election season or proposed bills being discussed in state and local legislatures. Write or call your representatives with your opinions and vote whenever you can.
Support restaurants and merchants that promote providing food to those in need, advertise that they compost unused food, or use food scraps/so-called ugly food.