Know Your Eco-Options

Know Your Eco-Options

Know Your Eco-Options

With all of the talk about going green these days, and local recycling rules getting tougher, it's important to note the many waysto dispose of everyday items such as plastic bags and biodegradable tape. You can be a good steward to the environment by sorting your trash before it reaches the landfill. Learn how to sort your gargabe into three main categories: recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable. Know your eco-options when you read about the difference between recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable items:

Recyclable:

Recyclable' products can be collected and reprocessed to produce new items. When we think recyclable, we usually think of, paper, cardboard, plastic water bottles, glass, and aluminum. The more items we recycle less waste is dumped in our landfills. Find out what kind of materials are accepted by your municipal curbside garbage program and how the materials should be separated to ensure they are processed correctly.

Biodegradable:

Biodegradable can be defined as being able to be broken down by natural processes, into more basic components. Products are usually broken down by exposure to moisture, heat and micro-organisms, such as bacteria and fungi. By this definition, most chemicals are biodegradable; the only thing differing would be the amount of time it takes to break down. Products that are labeled as biodegradable can be disposed of in your garbage.

Compostable:

Compostable' products are biodegradable, but with an added benefit: when they break down, they release valuable nutrients into the soil, aiding the growth of trees and plants. When these products degrade they produce no toxic residues. More than 50% of our domestic waste is organic and therefore compostable. Also products that are made out of PLA (Polylactic acid) bagasse (sugarcane fiber) or vegetable starch are compostable. It is environmentally-preferable to use disposable products that are labeled compostable rather than just biodegradable'.

If you are still unsure about how to dispose of your trash, check with your local recycling center to find out more about recycling programs in your area. Here are a few tips on how to reduce trash and therefore your carbon footprint.

* Recycle: glass, metal cans/containers, plastic bags, paper and cardboard

* Buy items in recyclable or biodegradable packaging

* Reuse items if possible

* Compost vegetable scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, plant clippings and leaves

* Buy local produce, or grow your own

* Use reusable shopping bags

* Use recycled or biodegradable plastic bags and boxes

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