Not enough South Africans are recycling, and depending on your local recycling services, around half of what goes in your bin could potentially be recycled and not end up in landfills, and recycling is an excellent way to save energy and conserve the environment.
Did you know that:
One recycled tin can would save enough energy to power a television for three hours.
One recycled glass bottle would save enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes.
One recycled plastic bottle would save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for three hours.
70% less energy is required to recycle paper compared with making it from raw materials.
The unreleased energy contained in the average dustbin each year could power a television for 5 000 hours.
On average, 16% of the money you spend on a product pays for the packaging, which ultimately ends up as rubbish. If you’re not already, use local recycling facilities such as glass bottle banks, participate in any recycling service your municipality may offer and if one isn’t available, use the services of a private recycling company.
Remember!
• Be sure also to give recyclable items a quick clean to remove any residue, whether it’s remnants in a yoghurt pot or conditioner bottle; it’s better to make sure it’s clean and dry before you pop it in the recycling bin.
• Don’t get carried away though; certain items don’t belong in your recycling bin. Think nappies, plastic carrier bags and food waste. Putting the wrong things in your recycling bin results in ‘contamination’ which means your recycling could be rejected and end up in the landfill.
Source: Woodlands Dairy.