Zero Waste Alternatives:
Waste is a problem not only for the environment but also for the municipal solid waste management. In order to get new raw materials, further natural resources are being exploited. Moreover, plastic waste specifically refuses that could be reintroduced into the production process is wasted. One important strategy to treat this waste is recycling. The importance lies in the fact that the plastic recycling process reduces the amount of waste going to landfills, and also because it permits a reduction in the consumption of virgin material and resources used to produce original polymers. Recycled plastic could be used as an input in the cycle production of new products, which is the case for concrete, car industry and textiles. Therefore, recycling could be considered an eco-friendly method for the treatment of plastic waste and a good opportunity for reducing the environmental impact, considering that the energy demands of recycling and reusing plastics are much lower than the energy inputs required to deal with virgin materials. This paper carries out a review of the relevant scientific research in the field of plastic recycling in order to make an overview of this practice and its impact on the environment. The journey towards Zero Waste life is never-ending, these alternatives will help any step of the way. All of these alternatives have been tried, tested, and approved. The purpose of Zero Waste is to prevent as much matter from heading to the landfill as possible.
Hygiene
The Waste Problem: Disposable Razors
Why: Non-recyclable, expensive, wasteful
The Alternative: Safety Razor or laser hair removal (more money)
The Waste Problem: Plastic Toothbrush
Why: Non-recyclable, wasteful
The Alternative: Bamboo compostable and sustainable toothbrushes
The Waste Problem: Cotton Balls
Why: Cotton is very pesticide and water intensive and they are not recyclable
The Alternative: Reusable Cotton Rounds
The Waste Problem: Disposable Makeup Remover Wipes
Why: They are wasteful, expensive, unnecessary, and often have toxic chemicals
The Alternative: Organic Coconut Oil and Reusable Cotton Rounds
Everyday Essentials:
The Waste Problem: Disposable Plastic Bags
Why: Go straight to landfill, very infrequently recycled, wasteful
The Alternative: Organic Cotton Tote
The Waste Problem: Plastic Water Bottles
Why: Not often recycled (less than 20%), end up in a landfill, completely avoidable
The Alternative: Reusable water bottle
The Waste Problem: Plastic Straw
Why: End up in a landfill, completely avoidable
The Alternative: Stainless Steel Straw
Why: It goes straight to the landfill and is infrequently reused
The Alternative: Re-Use Newspaper and biodegradable twine from a hardware store
The Waste Problem: Plastic Tupperware
Why: It poses possible toxicity risks and can leach chemicals into your food
The Alternative: Mason Jars
recycled gift-wrapping ideas
WRAPPING presents can not only be fun but provide a terrific opportunity to put creative ways of recycling and reducing paper waste into practice.
People all over the internet have been posting their crafty, DIY ways to wrap presents with recycled paper. Here are the top five recycled gift-wrapping ideas that we’ve found:
1. Newspaper Bows
Instead of throwing out the daily paper, here’s a crafty way to put it to good use.
2. Glossy Newsprint
This gift-wrapping idea makes great, clean and high-quality looking wrapping paper. Repurpose old magazines and keep them out of the landfill.
3. Reusable Fabric Wrap
Reusable wrapping like the fabric wrap here is a great way to reduce paper waste.
4. Old Maps
With GPS technology replacing traditional paper maps, this provides a great alternative to just throwing out those old unused maps.
5. Comic Books
A fun and colourful way to wrap gifts; try and putting those comic books to good use.
[1] https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/top-10-creative-and-recycled-gift-wrapping-ideas/3080936/
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