More on Plastic and Reducing Waste

February 8th, 2010 BY nparkington | No Comments

In shedding some light on plastic and what those mystery numbers mean on the bottom of plastic bottles, packaging, and other plastics even more questions surfaced. A reader asked really good questions, like “What am I supposed to do with plastic that is not readily recyclable?” and “Should we put those plastic items in our recycling bins anyway?” I am still trying to get to the bottom of this and due to local government and waste management, it really depends on where you live. It seems that a lot cannot be recycled so we need to do our best not to buy those products!

Packaging takes up about one-third of the garbage we generate. Many of this is made of plastic. Yes, some of this is necessary to protect products but there is a lot of excessive packaging out there. Take some time to look for products with less packaging and buy in bulk (then fill up those pretty glass jars for cereal, rice, grains, nuts, pet food, oats, cookies, etc.). Avoid single serving items and buy larger quantities to save on packaging. Here are some examples:

- larger box or loose bulk cereal or oatmeal rather than mini boxes or cereal or oatmeal

- make your own pudding from recyclable boxes rather than buying pudding snack packs that can’t be recycled

- buy veggies loose rather than pre packaged in plastic wrap or containers

- if you choose to buy water, stick with one to two gallon jugs rather than smaller bottles

- buy canned soup rather than microwaveable single portion sizes

Plastic bags and plastic wrap from the dry cleaners can be recycled. Please use canvas bags as shopping bags but when you happen to have plastic bags bring them back to the store to be recycled. Same goes for dry cleaner bags. Communities usually prefer to keep bags separate from curbside since they may clog up the recycling equipment, so try to remember to drop them off next time you’re at the store or cleaners.

Here are some other alternatives:

- Buy washable plates and cups instead of plastics/disposables

- Use reusable glass containers with lids (see photo) instead of plastic wrap, non-recyclable tupperware, or aluminum foil (if you must, buy recycled aluminum foil)

- Rinse and reuse zip plastic bags if you choose to use them

- Use a refillable glass, aluminum, or alternative material water bottle rather than using plastic bottles

- Bring your own to go containers to bring leftovers home from a restaurant

- Keep washable utensils in your car or with you rather than using plastic knives, spoons, and forks

In a nutshell, think reusable, washable, long lasting, and bulk items! Forget single-serving, plastic, styrofoam, and non-recyclable items whenever possible.

Do your research. Take the time to learn if you should be sorting your recycling at home and at work, if plastics can be put in with other items, which plastics can be recycled and try to avoid what cannot, if you have curb-side pickup or if you should collect, rinse, and drop off somewhere in your community. Check out your local resources at the National Coalition for Recycling and look within your community to find out more.

(info – SD Environmental Services, photo – Crate & Barrel)

N.Parkington

nparkington | My Bio & Articles

Natalie lives in San Diego, California and enjoys a healthy organic vegetarian lifestyle (with chocolate as the exception...). She does what she can for the environment and is constantly making adjustments to become greener in all...