Recycling
Sep 5th, 2008 |
In this section we have information about recycling and RE-USING goods.
What’s the difference?
- Recycling refers to recycling the raw materials – for example taking a glass bottle to a factory where it can be melted down and made into a new glass product. It is usually very energy-intensive, although not as much so as using virgin materials.
- Re-using in this instance would be to find a new use for the bottle. For some goods the best way of doing this is through charity shops or other second-hand networks.
Stacy Brant said:
True, recycling is different from reusing but it’s still kind of similar. Recycling is still reusing the bottle (as for your example) but well, reusing isn’t really recycling. So it’s down to recycling is reusing but reusing isn’t recycling. Just a thought.
Stacy Brant
Darren Hopkins said:
This is an interesting discussion. The word Recyled has been adopted by a variety of industries now and i beleive this is due to local authorties. As long as something doesn’t go to landfill they can call it “recycled” and claim there £50 per ton. Trouble is this could mean composted(where does that fit in with the comments about re-use) re-used, recycled and even burning it for energy recovery? No wonder there is so much confusion over one word, just more propaganda to hide all the money being made and lost.
david said:
My wife is one of the great Oxfam shoppers and we are committed recyclers. I don’t remember the last time I bought ‘new’ and I make it a policy that for every item i purchase at Oxfam I donate one object back.
May said:
Interesting explanation. So I guess what I’m really doing at home is reusing, though that’s fine as long as I still get to help the environment – we all should do our part after all. I just wish there was a way nappies could be reused/recycled, too, since my sister and I seem to be going through tons.
Wassermeister said:
A great way to ‘recycle’ is to avoid in the first place. This is not applicable in each instance, but if it is we should apply it. For example, instead of buying bottled water, get a water filter and drink tab water. Or instead of carrying things home in plastic bag, always take a carrier bag with you when shopping. When possible, buy food on local farmer’s markets which isn’t packed in plastic punnets… and the list goes on.
Chris Duggan said:
There is! There are lots of cloth nappies and reusable covers out there.
judy said:
Our local church in Hackney has a monthly clothes recycling day when mums get together and recycle childrens stuff – expecially school unifrms which are so expensive. It is a shame for anything to go to waste in these difficult times.