Humans have been known to be some of the innovative yet wasteful creatures on the planet. We come up with useful innovations that still have some negative impact on the environment. It is for this reason that there are so many landfills in the world. One of the most used and wasted products is plastic. Since they are non-biodegradable, getting rid of them can be a hassle. It is for this reason that people have come up with various ways to recycle used materials. Reusing certain items might not make sense, but recycling has gone a long way to ensure that old and used up materials can still be useful. Here are some of these innovative ways recycled materials are being used.
Recycled Chopsticks to Furniture
Chopsticks have been in use longer than spoons. As more people embraced Asian cuisine, the use of chopsticks increased. Washing up chopsticks can be a hassle, so many restaurants prefer to use disposable chopsticks. While it solved their dish-washing issue, it caused another issue of waste. To help deal with it, a company in Vancouver came up with the idea of turning used chopsticks into wooden pieces. They take the chopsticks and mash them together, then create chopping boards, shelves, and other furniture for use around the house. The innovation has meant that these chopsticks get a second life and do not end up rotting in a landfill.
Recycled Plastic to Furniture
One of the biggest wastes churned out around the world is plastic. Most, if not all, households use plastic daily. Many of these homes will throw out plastic without thinking about its impact on the environment. At the end of it all, this plastic either ends up in a landfill or polluting the environment. It is for this reason that companies have come up with ways to recycle this plastic. One of the ways this is done is by making furniture. Various recycled plastic outdoor furniture manufacturers have come up with creating furniture pieces using recycled plastic. They make amazing furniture that will be in use for a longer time. It ensures that the waste plastic is made into useful pieces.
Eco Bricks From Plastic
In a bid to reduce plastic waste in the environment, there have been so many innovations. One of these innovations is eco-bricks. Plastic is being incorporated into bricks to make them sturdy. The bricks have been used in constructing homes around the world. Waste plastic does something useful, and the environment is free of another piece of plastic.
Recycling Glass Into Beads
Apart from plastic, glass is another commonly used item in every household. Most households that have done away with plastic are using glass as an alternative. While glass might not be as bad as plastic, it is fragile and tends to break easily. Many people throw away broken glass without a second thought. Glass can be heated up and molded into something else. Even in its broken state, it can still be used. Some of the commonly made items from recycled glass are glass beads, bottles, and tiles.
Composting
There is a heated debate whenever the word compositing comes up when talking about recycling. The reason behind this debate is, some people think that composting is not a part of recycling. Composting brings up a new product that can still be used instead of being regarded as waste, makes it a part of recycling. Many households have a lot of waste. Of all these wastes, organic matter takes the largest share. It is for this reason that composting is being encouraged. The organic waste can decompose to create manure for plants and get reused in the home. The biggest perk of composting is that one does not use energy to make the compost. All you need is the right set of conditions and time to make the manure.
Recycling is an essential part of our lives. We cannot do without most of the products we currently have. However, we can ensure that these products are not harming us or the environment with little effort, and this is being more conscious about the waste we throw away. We will ensure that the earth is a better place, not just for us but for generations to come.
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