Stepping stones to 100% Clean Recycling
By Luka OsborneWe’d like to take a moment to congratulate everyone who’s started (or about to start) their 100% Clean Recycling journey. Whether you’re collecting a castle of cans or a more modest amount – you’re taking commendable steps toward a more sustainable world.
Small actions add up over a lifetime and as you collect and recycle, you’re setting an example for others to follow – it’s contagious!
Every bottle and can you collect and recycle plays a role in reducing waste and conserving resources.
Progress is progress, no matter how small it might seem, and everyone has their own journey towards sustainability.
What if one million people made one change each? How much waste would that save?
Insta-famous eco-warrior Mandy Spooner was once a recycling novice too. Mandy professes that she fell down a rabbit hole, but she didn’t end up in Wonderland, instead, it was a world of disappointment in plastic waste. But, she quickly found success in changing one habit at a time, in fact it was infectious!
“I quickly saw the knock-on effect of changing one thing at a time, sharing it with others and inspiring them to do the same, this inspired me to keep going and keep sharing, and 6 years later I’m still sharing!“
Read our exclusive interview here.
Material waste – the hard facts
Aluminium facts
- It takes 200-500 years to break down, if it sits in landfill it will be there a while…
- It’s estimated that around 76% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today.
- The power saved by recycling a single aluminium can power a TV for 3 hours.
- Americans throw away enough aluminium to rebuild the US commercial air fleet every 3 months.
- Aluminium can be recycled infinitely.
Glass facts
- Glass recycling numbers are poor due to contamination and breakage, and the need to separate by colour.
- Despite challenges, it’s extremely easy to reuse and repurpose if collected right.
- The average time for a glass bottle to decompose is around 4,000 years.
- In America, 28 billion glass bottles and jars go to landfill each year.
- Glass is endlessly recyclable.
Plastic facts
- Water bottles may take up to 1,000 years to decompose in landfill and lead to microplastics entering the ocean.
- Plastic in the ocean is a huge problem with estimates suggesting that 8 million metric tonnes of plastic end up in the world’s oceans annually.
- Plastic pollution affects at least 700 marine species, but this is likely to be much higher taking into account other factors.
Let’s get it together!
Keep aiming higher, keep pushing boundaries, and remember that your efforts no matter the amount, are essential – it’s the cumulative effect that counts.
Community involvement is an essential part of driving change, and participation in recycling programs shows initiative – especially when there’s money to be made for everyone! Everyone knows a small business, church group, school or sports club. Consider joining forces!
Get your community 100% Clean Recycling. Just create a new business account and book.
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