Earlier on in my blog I was talking about how youngsters are so active when it comes to recycling, but no one gives much thought to reusing products. Someone raised the question that certain products cannot be recycled or reused. My reply was that people should not be using materials that cannot be recycled or reused. However, I thought that if tampons and pads can be created to be reused, what product can’t?!
Among the list of products that cannot be recycled are used drink pouches. This is because they are made of polyethylene, which is a plastic polymer that is not recyclable, but is reusable. There are other products made from this kind of plastic, and even if it exists in a small amount in a product, the product is not recyclable.
I came across a company, TerraCycle, that take unrecyclable materials and products, and turns them into reusable items such as handbags, office supplies, school equipment, etc. The company found innovative ways to use products that otherwise would just end up in a landfill. They make everything from shower curtains to notebooks! They even hold workshops, especially for younger kids to teach them how to recycle and reuse, and the importance of them. By showing children the products they use daily, such a juice boxes, they are making it easier for the children to relate to the impact they have on the environment.
Some of their products are sold, but mostly they just want people to be aware of how to reuse products, and how they can create usable items from their waste. Here are some of the products they created -
Notebook made from microwavable food box
Handbag made from used Target plastic bags
Drink pouches pencil cases
Chip bag checkbook cover
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