RECYCLING is nothing new.
All manner of things were reused by earlier generations before the western world became such a relatively wealthy place.
Old nails were straightened and reused, newspaper was used to wrap food, jam jars became drinking glasses and even hollow logs became feed bins for stock.
In fact, humans have probably been reusing materials for thousands of years.
As the consumer age began and we became much richer, we started throwing away much reusable material.
It is only over the past two decades that we have become more circumspect about the throw away society and started seeking a return on waste material.
This has been done by all levels of government with the good will of residents who see the dumping of material like bottles, plastics and metals as a waste. One good outcome of recycling is that less energy is used to make new products from recycled materials than virgin materials. Recycling also creates jobs – more than those required for running dumps. Statistics show 9.2 jobs are created in recycling for every 2.8 in landfill.
There are other ways individuals can also make a difference. Instead of buying single-use water bottles, buy a bottle and refill it. Instead of putting lunch in sandwich bags or cling wrap, re-use containers. Buy a travel mug for your coffee, rather than a take-away cup that ends up in the bin.
We can also try to avoid buying goods, especially food, in packaging that is going to end up in the bin. But that’s where shops also need to get on board.
It’s not a simple process because fruit and vegetables often need to be protected by packaging and buying pre-packed food is usually considered more hygienic.
The trend towards “upcyling” – turning junk or waste into something useful – or passing on goods that we no longer need but could be used by someone else, are ways to extend the life of things.
Another way to do our bit is to buy products that are made with recycled content like office paper, paper towels and toilet paper. Perhaps the biggest thing we can do is to not contaminate the recycling bin with things like plastic bags, coffee cups and broken china.
Oddly enough, recycling may even make you happy, according to a study conducted in 27 countries that found people who recycle have higher life satisfaction levels and are overall happier people.