A Simple Guide to Recycling

Recycling is a process that helps protect our planet by reusing materials instead of throwing them away. It’s important to recycle because it reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and conserves natural resources. In addition, recycling reduces pollution and saves energy.

So, how does recycling work? Well, it starts with you. When you have something that you no longer need, instead of throwing it in the trash, you can recycle it. Many items can be recycled, such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal. These items are collected and taken to a recycling facility.

At the recycling facility, the materials are sorted and separated. This process ensures that each type of material can be properly processed and made into new products. For example, paper can be turned into new paper, and plastic can be melted down and made into new plastic products.

When you recycle, you’re not only helping the environment, but you’re also supporting the recycling industry. Recycling creates jobs and boosts the economy. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Now that you understand the importance of recycling, how can you start recycling at home? It’s easy! First, find out what materials can be recycled in your area. You can check with your local recycling center or waste management facility to get this information.

Once you know what can be recycled, set up a recycling station in your home. Place bins or containers for different materials, such as paper, plastic, and glass. Make sure to label each bin so you know what goes where.

When you have items that can be recycled, simply place them in the appropriate bin. It’s important to rinse out containers before recycling them to avoid contamination. And remember, not everything can be recycled, so be sure to check guidelines for your specific area.

By recycling, you’re taking a step towards a greener future. You’re reducing waste, conserving resources, and helping to create a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. So, start recycling today and make a difference!

We all know the three important rules for being sustainable: reduce, reuse, and recycle. But what many people don’t realize is that sustainable living goes beyond these three concepts. Nowadays, it’s more important than ever for us to take action and prevent harmful materials like single-use plastics, styrofoam, and foil from polluting our environment.

If you’re not a recycling expert, don’t worry – there’s always room for improvement. First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that not everything is recyclable in South Africa.

Despite your best efforts, some items still end up in landfills. That’s why it’s important to educate yourself about the products you buy and their long-term impact on the environment.

Here are some items that can be recycled in South Africa:

– Metal: cans, food tins, paint tins, aerosol cans (you can recycle these through collectacan.co.za)

Hey there! Let’s talk about recycling, shall we? Recycling is a cool way to help the planet and reduce waste. Plus, it’s super easy to do! Here are a few things you can recycle:

– Glass: stuff like tomato sauce bottles, jam jars, juice bottles, and even wine and beer bottles. You can also recycle glass jars. Just check out theglassrecyclingcompany.co.za to find a glass recycling bank near you.

– Paper: you can recycle all sorts of paper! Things like white office paper, envelopes, shredded paper, cardboard boxes, magazines, newspapers, wine bottle sleeves, egg cartons, pamphlets, telephone directories, and even paper gift wrap. If you’re not sure where to recycle paper correctly, check out the Paper Recycling Association of South Africa for more info.

– Plastic: now, this one’s a little trickier. But don’t worry, I’ll explain! Plastic products usually have a recycling logo on them. Look out for it! It’s important to know that there are seven different logos, each representing a different kind of plastic material. These logos have numbers 1 to 7. So, if you see one of these logos, you know the plastic item is recyclable. And guess what? There’s a recycling collection service that can pick up your recyclable plastic goods for you. Just visit greencycle.co.za to find out more!

Recycling is a wonderful way to take care of our planet and make it a better place for everyone. So, let’s do our part and recycle those items whenever we can!

Hey there! I wanted to talk to you about recycling, specifically the recycling of certain materials like aluminium foil and plastic. Did you know that fruit juice boxes and milk containers are made with a combination of aluminium foil and plastic? This means that they need to be recycled separately from other materials.

Now, if you’re new to recycling and you’re looking for a handy guide to get started, you’re in luck! Treevolution has put together a beginner’s handbook on recycling in South Africa. It’s a great resource to help you understand the ins and outs of recycling. If you’re interested, you can check it out by clicking here.

The various symbols for plastics.

Things that can’t be recycled in South Africa:

The specific items that can’t be recycled differ between recyclers and provinces.

Glass: This includes drinking glasses, crystal, light bulbs, crockery, cookware, windscreen glass, window glass, computer and TV screens, and laboratory glass.

Paper: Wet or soiled paper or cardboard products, such as used paper plates and pizza boxes, tissues, kitchen roll, toilet paper, laminated, wax-coated, or foil-lined paper and cardboard, punch confetti, carbon paper, stickers, and Post-it notes (which include glue), cement bags, dog food bags lined with plastic, disposable diapers, adhesive tape.

When it comes to plastic, I’ve learned that it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s incredibly versatile and used in so many everyday items like water bottles, fruit punnets, and sandwich packages. But on the other hand, it’s a single-use plastic that’s hard to decontaminate.

PET plastic, which stands for polyethylene terephthalate, is the most common type of plastic used in these products. However, according to profack.co.za, PET plastic can leach carcinogens and requires harmful chemicals for proper cleaning. Because of this, most recyclers won’t even accept PET items.

But there might be a better solution: ecobricking.

If you’re like me, recycling can sometimes feel like a confusing and time-consuming process. And even when you do it right, you might wonder if it’s really making a difference. That’s where ecobricking comes in.

Ecobricking is an art, a way to take control of your waste and feel less guilty about where it goes. Instead of throwing your material waste away, you can use it to create ecobricks. These ecobricks are essentially bricks made from compacted plastic waste, and they can be used in construction projects or even as furniture.

By following the principles of ecobricking, you can not only reduce your plastic waste but also find a creative and practical use for it. So why not give it a try and see how ecobricking can make an impact in your own life?

So, here’s what you can do to make an ecobrick: find a 2-liter or 5-liter bottle, grab a stick, and start stuffing it with your packaging waste. If you come across any big items that won’t fit, just use a pair of scissors to break them down and make them fit. And remember, don’t forget to fill in the gaps with plastic shopping bags to keep everything compact. Once the bottle feels squishy and full, you’ll know your ecobrick is complete!

So, have you ever wondered how much effort it really takes to break down plastic? Well, let me enlighten you with a little exercise called ecobricking. Trust me, you’ll be amazed.

Ecobricking is not only an eye-opening experience, but it also has fantastic benefits. For one, the bricks you create can actually be used to build schools and recreational areas. How cool is that? And the best part is, you can get involved through the eco-brick exchange. It’s a win-win situation!

Now, if you’re wondering how to get started, don’t worry. It’s easy! All you have to do is find the nearest drop-off point for your ecobricks. Lucky for you, there are plenty of these points scattered around South Africa. So go ahead, locate the one closest to you, and start making a difference.

By ecobricking, you aren’t just protecting the ocean from harmful waste, but you’re also helping to uplift surrounding communities. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone, and who doesn’t love that?

So, let me share a few drop-off points for ecobricks with you:

In Cape Town:

– Greenpop Nursery, Woodstock

– Faithful to Nature, Muizenberg

– Health Connection, Fish Hoek

– The Hub, Scarborough

– Long Beach Mall, Noordhoek

In Johannesburg:

– [Insert Joburg drop-off point here]

Now that you know all about ecobricking and the amazing impact it can have, what are you waiting for? Start collecting those plastic bottles, pack them tight, and turn them into something beautiful. Together, we can make a difference!

Earth Warrior, located at 1018 Deerhurst Close in Riverwood Village, Dainfern, (by appointment), is a place you can visit if you want to make a positive impact on the environment. In Port Elizabeth, you can find Tile and Brick at Hugh Road, 11 Heugh Rd, Walmer, and Re-trade Project at 22 Newcombe Ave, Walmer Heights, both of which are dedicated to sustainability.

When it comes to sustainable living, there are eight key principles to keep in mind. Let’s call them the eight Rs:

1. Refuse: It’s really important to say no to single-use plastic. You’ve probably heard the phrase “refuse the straw.” It’s as simple as that.
2. Refill: Instead of buying products in single-use plastic packaging, consider shopping at refill stores. These stores allow you to bring your own containers and fill them up, eliminating the need for single-use plastic.
3. Repair: Instead of throwing things away when they break, try to repair them. You can find helpful tutorials on repair projects on YouTube, or you can seek assistance from local small businesses that specialize in repairs. By doing this, you’ll be reducing waste and giving your items a longer lifespan.

Here are some simple actions we can take to reduce waste and help the environment:

1. Refuse: say no to single-use items that contribute to waste and pollution. Bring your own reusable bags, water bottles, and coffee cups.

2. Rethink: consider alternative options that are more sustainable. Can you find a second-hand item instead of buying new? Can you borrow or share items with others?

3. Repair: fix things instead of throwing them away. Learn basic repair skills or take items to a repair shop instead of replacing them.

4. Regift: those beautiful gift boxes, bags, and wrapping paper should never be thrown out. Instead, pass them on to someone else who can use them.

5. Reduce: find ways to use less. Drive less, take shorter showers, and be mindful of your water and energy usage.

6. Reuse: instead of using disposable items, opt for reusable alternatives. Switch out plastic wrap for cotton cloth covers, bring a refillable water bottle, and bring your own grocery bags when shopping.

7. Recycle: be aware of what can and cannot be recycled in your area. Follow recycling guidelines and separate recyclable materials properly.

8. Repeat: remember that practicing these actions consistently is key. The more we make sustainable choices a habit, the greater impact we can have.