Why are we not reducing our emissions? Why are they in fact still increasing? Are we knowingly causing a mass extinction? Are we evil? No, of course not. People keep doing what they do because the vast majority doesn't have a clue about the actual consequences of our everyday life, and they don't know that rapid change is required. ~ Greta Thunberg, FridaysForFuture
July 12, 2019
Do you know what really happens with your recycling?
A reality-check during Plastic Free July.
A Series on the Environment from the QL Duo
Recycling our bottles, cans and boxes is easier than ever, especially as more and more "single stream" recycling centers were established. One problem is, now we don't know what is and isn't recyclable anymore.
When recycling loads are contaminated with items that should have gone to the trash, often the entire load has to be sent to a landfill. The usual culprits are paper towels, pizza boxes and dirty diapers. Yes, dirty diapers in the recycling bin are a serious problem. All of those other items could have been recycled, if they had not been contaminated by that diaper.
Watch this excellent short video and learn why to follow the rule, "When in doubt, throw it out."
Why You're Recycling Wrong
[Vox Video]
Last year, the equivalent of 68,000 shipping containers of American plastic recycling were exported from the U.S. to developing countries that mismanage more than 70% of their own plastic waste.
The environmental and social ramifications of America's plastic exports are shocking even to those in the industry. Bob Wenzlau is considered one of the founding fathers of the U.S. curbside recycling system, having helped to launch the program in Palo Alto, California, in 1976. Curbside recycling "was started with a really good intention; I used to feel so proud," said Wenzlau. Now, after learning of the effects the nation's exports are having overseas, he said, "my heart aches, because the system is doing harm."
Re-think plastic. Recycling does not magically solve our problems with plastic waste.
Where does your plastic go?
[The Guardian]
Here at Perelandra, we will keep recycling. In fact, it's mandatory in our offices. We are also changing our buying habits. And we are encouraging everyone to take part in Plastic Free July. It's an opportunity to join with others around the globe to learn, find alternatives and avoid single-use plastics.
Join millions of people reducing their plastic waste.
[PlasticFreeJuly.org]
How To Live Better With Less Plastic
[TrashPlastic.com]
Here's an interesting idea: How about allowing nature — the intelligence inherent in that nature — to join us in equal partnership to give us the input we need to make new decisions and live in new ways that have a strong, positive impact on our lives and our health, as well as the planet? ~ Machaelle Wright, Celebrating the Power of the Individual
The Environment Series