Hello, my name is Vanessa. I would like to welcome you to my site about the environment. Growing up, I lived along a beautiful river full of jumping fish. The birds flew overhead, ready to catch their next meal in their talons. I watched as the wildlife lived in relative harmony along the riverbed. Unfortunately, as I reached my adult year, the river’s water quality and wildlife populations started to decline. Pollution was cited as the cause, which broke my heart. I will use this site to explore the way societies are damaging the world around them and propose solutions to solve this problem. Thanks.
Talking About Preventing and Reversing Environmental Damage
Treasure In The Trash: Items You Might Be Throwing Away That Can Actually Be Recycled
Sarah King
When you think of recycling, you probably think of paper, empty drink cans, or cardboard boxes. However, plenty of "trash" still makes it to the landfill even though it is recyclable or reusable. Here are some things your might have been throwing away that you can actually send to greener pastures.
Packing Materials
Styrofoam is often not acceptable in your normal curbside recycling bin, but some packing stores will take used packing peanuts, box fillers, or foam rectangles and repurpose them for new packages. If you don't have a local store that will take them off your hands, take the time to mail or drive them a foam recycling service -- Styrofoam does not weigh much, so a large box of collected peanuts and similar material will not cost much to mail in. Because it is estimated that Styrofoam takes over a million years to decompose in a landfill, you can also help support more sustainable packing options by using biodegradable peanuts made from vegetable starches.
Sport Shoes
If you cycle through a pair of court or running shoes quickly or constantly need a newer pair to keep up with your sport, don't toss the used ones in the trash. Many people donate their shoes to local thrift stores, but even here they may end up in the garbage bin if they go for months without being sold. Instead, take advantage of programs that actually recycle shoes parts like rubber soles into new shoes, or who send shoes that will not perform well on the court to poor countries to be worn as day shoes for people who have none. Gently used shoes are not garbage -- they can be used by underprivileged athletes all over the globe.
Corks
The next time you open your bottle of bubbly, don't just toss the cork in the trash. Cork is already used as a more sustainable option for decor and building material, but it is still harvested from living trees, and why harvest more when there is plenty to go around? Corks from wine bottles can be recycled into cork floors, cork boards, sporting goods and even shoe soles. If you are looking for a recycler for your corks, your local health food store is a great place to start.
Recycling the small things can make a big difference all over the globe. Before you throw something away, ask yourself if you might be able to recycle it or find a way for it to be used again. Contact a local recycling service in your area to find more information.
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