Sustainable Materials Part II - The Recyclables

In the previous blog post, we covered compostable materials like bamboo and cork. However, you most certainly can’t make everything with organic materials.

 

Pots and pans will burn, and anything will rot after prolonged water exposure.

 

So what do you do about the kitchenware, appliances, and other stuff that needs to be built to withstand heavy, repeated use?

 

In the second part of this two-part blog post, we’ll take a look at the many recyclables and examine what each one means for the environment.

Extracted and Recyclable

Silicone

 

There are many reasons why silicone is good for the environment. First, silicone is made from silica, which is derived from sand, a natural resource.

 

Second, silicone is a recyclable material. Third, it is non-toxic and does not release harmful pollutants into the air or water. Finally, it is energy-efficient to produce and does not require a lot of energy to recycle.

 

Silicone is strong and durable, able to resist abrasion, corrosion, or high temperature. It can also be used in an extreme environment, such as being submerged in water or exposed to a vacuum. As a result, it is used in a variety of products including sealants and adhesives.

 

Caring for silicone is super easy. You just need to make sure that you keep it clean and dry. Clean it with mild soap and water, and dry it with a soft cloth or air dry.

 

Stainless Steel

 

Steel is the most recycled material on the planet! Hardy and durable, steel manufacturing produces less waste compared to other building materials, and can withstand any weather conditions.

 

Steel is highly resistant to oxidation, heat, and pressure, making them ideal for anything from kitchen utensils to surgical instruments.

 

Low maintenance and easy to clean, steel is found everywhere in homes, offices, and buildings.

Although it can be expensive and heavy, steel is one of the most widely used materials for all sorts of purposes.

 

Clean steel surfaces with water and detergent or cleaning solution whenever you need. Keep concrete or stone cleaning acidic solutions away from stainless steel as this might cause corrosion. Don’t use carbon steel brushes and don’t weld close to steel, as the particles might oxidize and cause rust.

 

If your stainless steel has any scratches or blemishes, you can use a mild abrasive like baking soda to buff them out. Just be sure to rinse off the baking soda afterward and dry the surface completely.

 

Finally, to keep your stainless steel looking shiny and new, you can apply a thin coat of wax polish every few months.

 

Copper

Copper is an essential metal that is often used in farming. The absence of copper can cause a deficiency in plant and soil nutrition.

 

Fertilizers have components of copper because it is essential for producing healthy crops. Copper is eco-friendly because it can be recycled and reused again and again.

 

It is also a valuable resource, and using copper in the place of non-recyclables helps reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills.

 

Corrosive resistant, lightweight and durable, copper is an excellent conductor of heat and often used in ndustrial and commercial applications as well as electronic devices.

 

Try to avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and oxygen, and wax copper wares once in a while to maintain that shine. Clean copper with vinegar and baking soda to remove any stains and restore shine.

 

Aluminum

Aluminum is eco-friendly because it can be recycled over and over again without losing any of its properties. Recycling aluminum reduces the energy and resources used in extracting and producing new aluminum.

 

This makes it a valuable resource that can be reused again and again, which reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

 

It is a very important metal as there are many uses for it, and it does not corrode easily, which means it can be used for a very long time without degrading. It is also known as one of the more sustainable metals.

 

 

 

Aluminum can be recycled into new aluminum products at very high rates, almost 100%, which is very good for the environment.

 

Easy to fabricate, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean, aluminum is an excellent heat conductor and commonly used in cans, cars, and planes.

 

Aluminum while not as strong compared to steel, still is a lightweight material with a high strength to weight ratio.

 

This metal should be slightly oiled and piled vertically if stored for extended periods. It should be stored in a clean, dry environment as moisture can cause water stains.

 

When caring for aluminum, it is important to avoid any type of abrasive cleaner. To clean aluminum, use a mild soap and water mixture. Make sure to rinse off any soapy residue, as it can cause the aluminum to corrode.

 

Glass

 

Glass can be recycled an infinite number of times without any quality degradation. It is a hard transparent material made from sand, limestone, and soda ash that is melted at very high temperatures, such as 2200°F (1200°C).

 

The molten glass is poured into molds where it is cooled and forms shapes.

 

Strong, versatile, transparent, and easy to clean, you can find glass everywhere, from kitchens to offices and buildings.

 

There is a downside though! Glass is breakable and broken glass can cause injuries. Glass buildings also require regular cleaning and extreme care.

 

Glass should be cleaned regularly with soft materials to avoid scratches. Avoid corrosive or harsh cleaners and handle glass with care.

 

In order to care for glass and ensure that it can be recycled properly, here are a few tips:

 

- Rinse any food or drink residue off of the glass before recycling

- Make sure that all glass pieces are clean and free of any dirt or other contaminants

- Remove any labels or stickers from the glass before recycling

- Do not put any broken glass in your recycling bin - place it in a separate container for disposal

 

Ceramic

Ceramic is made of natural or synthetic materials that are combined with clay. Ceramic is eco-friendly because it is made from natural materials that can be recycled.

 

As well as being non-toxic, it is the only type of material that can be used over and over again with no loss of quality.

 

However, ceramic is breakable, so avoid putting it in the dishwasher or microwave, as both of these things can damage it. Instead, just use some warm water and a sponge to clean it. Make sure you don't use any soap or detergent, as this can also damage the finish on the ceramic.

 

Paper

Paper is made from trees, which can be a sustainable resource if harvested responsibly.

 

There are many different types of paper, including pasta boxes made from unbleached paper. Paper is easily recycled, reducing our carbon footprint and reducing the consumption of natural resources and energy.

 

Paper recycling requires 70% less energy and water than producing new paper from newly felled trees.

 

Fabric

While nylon and polyester have always been the two most used fabrics in the world, there is a growing interest in sustainable fabrics such as bamboo, organic cotton, linen, Tencel, and hemp.

 

Used in the world of slow fashion, these fabrics are made to be durable and long-lasting, reducing the amount of waste we generate and keeping a huge amount of products out of landfills. It is estimated that up to 85% of unused fabrics get thrown!

Pros and Cons of Recyclable Materials

 

There are many reasons why we should recycle. Some of the most important reasons are that recycling helps to conserve natural resources, reduces pollution, and saves energy.

 

Recycling also saves resources and energy by cutting down on the need to make new products from raw materials. This, in turn, leads to reduced demand for mining raw materials and prevents pollution, deforestation, landslides, erosion, and other environmental damage.

 

Recycling also helps our economy and saves money. It creates jobs and provides the materials for manufacturing new items. Recycling conserves landfill space and reduces the need for future landfills.

 

Recycling is an important part of our environment and it should be done in every home and business!

 

Of course, nothing is perfect. Many of these materials aren’t biodegradable and take a tremendous amount of time to break down. Glass, for example, can take up to a million years to biodegrade!

 

That’s why recycling is vital to the future of our environment.

Product Afterlife - How To Recycle

Don’t forget to sort your stuff before placing them in appropriate bins or sending them to the facilities!

 

Recycle your plastics, glasses, cans by rinsing them out and putting them in a bag or bin designated for plastics. Make sure that the containers are empty and have no food residue or liquids.

 

Recycle your paper by putting it in a bag or bin designated for paper recycling. Be sure to remove any plastic labels or tags when dealing with cardboard boxes.

 

Final Thoughts

While not exhaustive, these are the recyclable materials that you should save before you are tempted to toss that can or bottle in the trash.

 

Remember, most things have value and you’ll be doing your part to make a difference for the environment and helping keep our planet green.