Category: Healthy Tips

Introduction

The world is awash in plastic waste. Every year, we generate more than 300 million tons of plastic, much of which ends up in landfills or the ocean. To make matters worse, only 9% of all the plastic ever produced has been recycled.

So what can we do about all this plastic waste? One solution is to stop using disposable plastic items and switch to reusable alternatives. Another solution is to recycle the plastic we do use. However, recycling can be difficult, and not all plastics are recyclable.

In this article, we will discuss 9 zero waste solutions for the most difficult recycling jobs. We will also provide some tips on how to reduce your reliance on disposable plastic items.

Why Zero Waste?

Zero waste is an approach to reducing plastic pollution that emphasizes resource conservation and reduced consumption. The goal of zero waste is to reduce our reliance on disposable plastic items and to ensure that all materials we do use are either reused, recycled, or composted. Relying on zero-waste solutions reduces our reliance on disposables, which helps reduce the amount of plastic entering our oceans, landfills, and incinerators. Furthermore, transitioning to zero-waste solutions helps us use fewer resources by increasing the number of items that are reused or recycled.

The Benefits of Zero Waste

The benefits of transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle are numerous. The most obvious benefit is a reduction in plastic pollution, as fewer items are going to landfills and the ocean. Additionally, by reducing our reliance on disposable items and intentionally using existing resources, we can reduce our overall consumption, which is beneficial not only for the environment but also financially. This can help us save money while reducing our impact on the planet. Furthermore, zero-waste solutions can help promote social responsibility, as many of the solutions focus on conscious consumption, repurposing existing materials, and reuse. This promotes a more conscious and mindful approach to consumption, which can benefit communities and our overall outlook on consumption.

9 Zero Waste Solutions

There are many solutions to reduce plastic waste and transition to a zero-waste lifestyle. Here are 9 solutions for the most difficult recycling jobs:

• Refillable containers: Refillable bottles and containers are a great way to reduce single-use plastics like disposable water bottles. Keeping a few reusable bottles and containers on hand for everyday use can drastically reduce your plastic consumption.

• Compostable packaging: Compostable packaging is becoming increasingly popular and a great way to reduce your reliance on plastic packaging. This packaging is usually made from plant-based materials like wheat straw and is designed to be composted after it has served its purpose.

• Reusable grocery bags: Shopping bags are one of the most problematic types of plastic waste. Reusable shopping bags are the easiest and most effective way to reduce this type of waste.

• Reusable produce bags: Many people buy fruits and vegetables in plastic bags, which can quickly add up to a lot of waste. Investing in reusable produce bags is an easy way to reduce this type of waste.

• Refillable cleaning products: Many disposable cleaning products are packaged in wasteful plastic containers. Refillable cleaning products are an easy way to reduce this waste.

• Recycling programs: If you live in a city or town with a robust recycling program, participating in it is a great way to ensure that the plastic items you are using are properly recycled.

• Repair and repurpose: Rather than throwing out plastic items, try to repair or repurpose them. This can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills.

• Reusable straws: Plastic straws are a major source of plastic waste. Investing in reusable straws is an easy way to reduce your plastic waste.

• Curbside recycling: Most towns and cities offer curbside recycling services. Utilizing these services can help make it easier to recycle plastic items, be sure to check and see what your waste management company accepts.

How to Get Started with Zero Waste

Getting started with zero-waste solutions can seem daunting, but there are a few steps you can take to get started: First, start small making the transition to zero waste can seem overwhelming, so start with one or two reusable items and work your way up. Second, educate yourself on the potential zero-waste solutions available. This will help you make informed decisions and find the solutions that will work best for you. Third use less plastic, take stock of the plastic you use and try to find ways to reduce that number. Finally, get creative with your solutions and repurpose items whenever possible.

Are You Ready to Go Zero Waste?

Going zero waste is an easy way to reduce your reliance on disposables and make a difference in the environment. It can be daunting at first, but with some knowledge and effort, it’s possible to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle and make a meaningful difference. Are you ready to go to zero waste?

Recycling Resources for some hard-to-recycle products

Searching for how and where to recycle items like car seats, pots and pans, old broken toys, and other common household items.

Carseat recycling is available through a twice-a-year program sponsored by Target or through National Carseat Recycling Program, local Bay Area residents may request a free local pickup for Century car seats and baby gear.

Marker recycling is offered through Crayola and Crayons can be recycled through the National Crayon Recycling Program.

Recycling old cookware and baking dishes can be tricky use Earth911 to find a local scrap metal drop-off location. Local pickup service may be offered in some areas or you can ship your items here.

How do I recycle old plastic toys? Mattel Playback Program will accept Barbie^®, Matchbox^®, and MEGA^™ to learn more about their program. Got Legos you need to let go download a free shipping label from Lego Replay. For recycling all Hasbro brand toys and games, Spin Master toys and games, L.O.L. Surprise products and packaging, and VTech and LeapFrog electronic toys and learning devices we have joined forces with TerraCycle to collect and ship these items in bulk. Brand join Terracycle to create closed-loop solutions for their product lines.

How about those plastic parts of the price tags on my clothing? We are still researching this, some of those closures are nylon and others are plastic.

Plastic bags and films can be recycled search for your local drop-off location here.

How2Recycle aims to help you understand how to recycle properly and what can be recycled. Brands can join their program to help people recycle better.

Introduction

Are you interested in composting but don’t know where to start? Composting is a great way to reduce your waste, help the environment, and even grow your food!

Despite what many people think, composting is very easy to do – and it doesn’t have to be smelly or gross. It can be a very rewarding experience.

There are many different ways to compost, but the most important thing is to get started! This article will show you how to start composting in your apartment so that you can start reducing your waste and helping the environment.

How To Start Composting In Your Apartment

What You Need To Start Composting: The great thing about composting is that you don’t need much to get started. You will need a compost bin, some organic material (such as food scraps, coffee grounds, and cardboard/newspaper), and some soil or compost to add to your bin. You can buy a compost bin from any home improvement store, or you can make your own. The containers should be airtight and large enough to hold the amount of compost that you plan to make. If you don’t have outdoor space, you may want to look into indoor bins. These are specially designed to be space-efficient and are great for small apartments. Just make sure that you have enough room for the bin and regular access to a power outlet for ventilation.

The Different Types of Composting: There are two main types of composting – aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic composting requires oxygen, while anaerobic composting does not. For most apartment composting, aerobic composting is the best option. This uses bacteria and fungi to break down the organic material and create compost. Anaerobic composting, on the other hand, uses worms and other organisms to create more nutrient-rich compost. This method is best suited for people with outdoor space, as many of the organisms require a higher temperature than can be achieved in an apartment.

How To Compost In Your Apartment: Once you’ve got your compost bin ready to go, you’re ready to start composting! Regularly add your organic material to the bin, such as food scraps, coffee grounds, and cardboard/newspaper. You can also add paper towels, tea bags, and shredded paper to the mix. Make sure that you mix the material and add water, as this helps break down the material faster. Try to keep the material damp, but not saturated. Finally, add a layer of soil or compost to the top of the bin. This helps to speed up the composting process, as well as providing essential nutrients for your compost.

The Benefits of Composting: Composting offers many benefits, both to you and the environment. Composting reduces the amount of waste that is sent to landfills, as it can be used to enrich the soil and help plants grow instead. Composting also helps you save money, as you won’t need to buy as much fertilizer or soil amendments. You’ll also have easy access to compost for your garden or potting projects! How To Get Started: The best way to get started is to research local composting programs. Many cities have programs in place to help make composting easy and convenient. Some cities even have special bins for composting. You can also check online for tutorials and tips on composting. There are also many online communities dedicated to composting, where you can get advice and support from experienced composters.

FAQs About Composting:

Q: How long does it take to compost?

A: It will depend on the type of composting you’re doing and the size of the bin, but most compost bins should be ready to use within a few weeks.

Q: What can I compost?

A: You can compost most organic materials, such as food scraps, coffee grounds, cardboard/newspaper, paper towels, tea bags, and shredded paper.

Q: Is composting smelly?

A: Composting can be smelly, but it doesn’t have to be. Make sure you’re adding the right ratio of materials, as well as mixing and keeping the material damp (but not saturated). This will help reduce any odors from composting.

Conclusion: Composting is an easy and rewarding way to help reduce waste and help the environment. With the right equipment and a bit of know-how, you can start composting in your apartment in no time. Remember to research local composting programs, as well as tutorials and tips online. And don’t forget to ask questions if you’re ever in doubt!