Just a small change in our habits can make a big impact to cut waste. Angelique Ruzicka has great tips to help steer you in the right direction
WHERE TO START
To wage war on your waste, you must know your enemy. Over a week, keep a pen and paper by the bin and record what you’re throwing out.
With this information, what can you tackle first and easily? If you’re constantly throwing out the same food items, consider packaging it up and giving it away to the local night shelter for the homeless. Could you adjust shopping habits, perhaps? Is there anything so heavily packaged that it’s worth thinking of alternatives? When it comes to recyclables, you can check the packaging for the recycling-friendly label. But if you’re still unsure about what can and cannot be recycled in general, read the quick overview at bit.ly/1LQ8ZuG. Do still check to see what your local depots accept and do not accept as well.
Knowing local resources is key – does your municipality offer a recycling station, or is there a recyclable waste company that operates in your area? Also check out these handy sites:
- mywaste.co.za allows you to input the type of material you want to toss out (from a list including energy-saving globes to glass and milk cartons), choose how far you’re prepared to travel, and enter your suburb for a quick search. The site will offer up a few recommendations about where you can recycle based on this info. -
- plasticsinfo.co.za is similar to my waste.co.za. Click the ‘where to recycle’ tab, and input your recycling needs. - - ----
- theglassrecyclingcompany.co.za finds a glass recycling bank (those large green containers) in your area.
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