When it comes to recent introductions Simple rules of recyclingI’m not really sure why anyone would object.
Maybe it’s because where I live in Wales we’ve been recycling waste separately for some time, and it doesn’t seem like such a big deal. But, even if familiarity is a factor in this, the reasons I’m pro-recycling go deeper than that.
In a world where some of the negative environmental changes we experience can be linked to mass production, overconsumption, and the rise of packaged products, I don’t believe it calls for many of us to try and at least reduce the level of waste going to landfill.
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Recycling is a must, maybe not
Yes, I have heard all the arguments and Reaction against recyclingAnd comments on how councils should be responsible for sorting waste, how some recycling goes to landfill if it is deemed contaminated and how it is In some regions it is not even happening until the end of the year. All of which naturally has people questioning the changes.
And, it’s not that I don’t understand these views, or completely disagree with them all, it’s just that I think we all need to stand up and take some responsibility for our own actions, before we jump on the negativity bandwagon.
Personally, I don’t believe that someone else should sort my trash for me. After all, I’m the one who likes to shop online, buy packaged food and drinks from glass bottles that are used once. So I have to take responsibility for this.
I can use a refill store where you take your own containers to stock up on dry food and laundry products. I can find allotment, or Start my own vegetable garden To save on buying packaged product from the store. Or, I can refuse to shop online so that less cardboard enters my home.
But, the reality is, I don’t do any of those things, despite telling myself that I should and should. And neither do a large number of homeowners. As adults, we consume of our own accord, and in doing so, we must be willing to take responsibility for this.
Doing my bit to help the environment
I’m sure most people feel pangs of guilt when they see sea creatures or animals caught in plastic and trash packaging, so imagine if the world’s population recycled 10 more items per week to avoid more landfills. It doesn’t take a genius to understand the impact this will have on the planet.
I know recycling isn’t a magic solution to the plastic crisis or landfill problem but it’s a start. And as recycling becomes stronger, companies can start choosing more sustainable packaging, governments can do more to prevent climate change, and we can all make environmentally friendly choices.
But that is the point. we All Something needs to be done to help mitigate the problem, and if it’s asking for a little extra time each week to make sure I put the correct items in the correct bins, I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.
Start generating less waste with these ideas
Amazon
Glass storage jars with lids
Make it more eco-friendly Pantry Refill these glass jars with lids from a zero waste store
Ocean Saver
Eco Laundry Detergent Sheets
Instead of stocking up on plastic bottles of detergent, switch to ocean-friendly laundry sheets
VonHaas
Vonhaus kitchen bin, 60l double recycling bin for kitchen
Featuring a generous 45L capacity divided into three removable 15L internal buckets, it makes separating general waste, recycling and food scraps easy and efficient.
Do I think more can be done? Absolutely
I am not suggesting that the process is polished to perfection before rollout. And no, the steps don’t suit every type of home or homeowner, but one rule rarely fits all.
I Live in a flat with no outdoor space for large binsSo I have had to find ways to manage all the different types of waste I need to dispose of. But, with adjustments to how you manage your waste, and time spent arming yourself with the knowledge of what your local council rules are – rather than making the mistake of assuming one rule fits all – it’s really not that complicated.
Yes, we pay a lot in council tax, and yes, who knows if additional waste collection charges will apply in the future, but right now, there are bigger problems in the world that keep me awake at night. Spending more time sorting through my trash is not one of them.
Here at Homebuilding & Renovating, we’re trying to help you navigate this new territory, so if you’re still not sure where the trash goes, take a look at our handy guides What can be recycled in your garden waste?, What to do with the things you can no longer recycle And check out these ideas Wheelie bin storage Prevent your bin from becoming an eyesore.
And, best of all, if you’re not sure what’s relevant in your area, go to your local council’s website to understand the new simplified recycling rules.
