This article continues a series of posts focused on UIG’s Mission 2022: Climate Change. Help us build a comprehensive climate change collection by contributing content to UIG. Contact us at info@universalimagesgroup.com
While much of the focus on recycling efforts worldwide has been on plastics, paper and glass, there is a movement underway to encourage consumers to see the value in recycling as many products as they can. Products can often have a second life after their initial use, especially if we all value each product as a resource with many potential uses.
Landfills worldwide are under siege from an increasing amount of waste delivered to them. Worldwide more than 2 billion tons of waste are created each year. Considering that landfills are a large source of methane gas emissions worldwide, it is imperative that we find a way to reduce waste. Recycling, repairing, reusing, and repurposing products are impactful ways to help resolve our climate crisis.
Whether you’re recycling by sending materials for industrial reuse or reusing items by trying out creative recycling projects, you’re contributing to a global effort to improve our environment for everybody, and for the future.
There are many sites providing lists of creative recycling ideas. Here’s a few that caught our eye for both their creativity and simplicity:
- Tin cans can be decorated and then used to hold pens, pencils and scissors, and cutlery.
- Clear plastic or glass cups can make great candle holders.
- Recycled plastic bottles and cans can be used to make good bird feeders.
- Reuse plastic cups to start your garden by adding soil and seedlings to them.
- Place a pillow and blanket inside recycled tires to make great dog or cat beds!
- The paper rolls in the middle of toilet tissue and paper towels can be used reused as toys for children and pets.
- Recycled clothing can be used in a variety of ways. If you can’t donate the clothing, use them for creative projects (for example, blue jeans make a nice book cover or iPad cover, t-shirts cut into small strips can be used to create colorful bracelets)
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Feature image: Nik Taylor/UIG
Sources:
Reuse This Bag https://www.reusethisbag.com/articles/creative-recycling-projects
Creative Recycling Projects from Common Household Items by Douglas Lober June 8, 2021
The Bella Vita https://www.the-bella-vita.com/clever-recycled-projects/
Visual Capitalist https://www.visualcapitalist.com/visualizing-the-global-landfill-crisis/