A Guide to Plastic Recycling and Reusing

Plastic recycling and reusing is vital in the modern world. As a resource that’s not going to last forever, and that takes a long time to break down in landfills, recycling and reusing is essential to making plastic last and keeping our environment safer for longer. From learning how to recycle plastic bottles to being mindful of how much waste you create, it’s often the littlest things that can make the biggest difference.

To help you out, this article will look at ways you could be reusing and recycling plastic with tips and tricks for more sustainable living.

Recycling Plastic

Plastic recycling is an easy way to reduce the impact you have on the environment. It means that you leave less waste and our planet’s resources will go further – and it really doesn’t take much effort! Here’s how you can do more plastic recycling:

• Learn how to recycle plastic and where you can dispose of it in your local area. You might be able to use public recycling bins or request one for your home which will be collected regularly. Look into which types of plastic you can and can’t recycle to make sure you don’t make any mistakes!
• There are everyday items you should be recycling. Learn how to recycle plastic bottles, straws and food packaging.
• Make recycling plastic bottles and general household waste easier by keeping a bag by your bin. When you go to throw something away, be conscious of whether it can be recycled and, if it can, pop it in the bag.

Reusing Plastic Items

Not all of your plastic has to be thrown away. In fact, a lot of it can be really useful! Here are a few ways you can reuse plastic:

• Recycling plastic bottles is great but why not reuse them? Fill one up with water before you head out for the day. This creates less waste and also means you won’t have to buy a drink whilst you’re out.
• Reuse plastic carrier bags by taking them with you when you do your shopping so you don’t have to use more.
• Keep plastic takeaway boxes and use them to store leftover food.

There are a ton of ways you can reuse plastic, so be mindful before you throw it away. Ask yourself if there’s something else you could use it for and be creative with your ideas.

Reducing the Plastic You Use

Whilst recycling plastic bottles and other items is great, the best way to help out the environment is to avoid using plastic altogether. Sounds tough, right? But it’s actually simple when you know how. Check out these tips:

• Buy a metal water bottle and take it with you when you go out.
• You can also buy a coffee cup made from a plastic alternative. Then, when you buy a hot drink ask the seller to fill your cup instead of using one of their disposable ones, which often have a plastic lining.
• Buy food in cardboard packaging and use glass jars to keep it fresh rather than using plastic tubs.
• Use cotton tote bags when you go food shopping.
• Use a shaving razor with replaceable blades rather than a disposable one.
• If you can’t find cardboard packaging, buy the bigger version of a product. For example, Comfort do large 5 litre bottles that are better for the environment because they last longer.

Once you know how to recycle plastic and are more conscious or reusing the items you’ve got, it’ll quickly become a habit that you don’t even have to think about. It may seem tough at first, but if we want to save our planet, it really is essential!