Facts about industrial plastic recycling that will surprise you

Industrial plastic recycling is a key component in moving toward a sustainable circular economy.

In today’s blog, we discuss data that demonstrates the importance and challenges of this process in the industrial sector.

Spain, a European benchmark with real industrial capacity

Spain leads Europe in installed plastics recycling capacity, with more than 2.2 million tons per year.

Ranked second after Germany and notable for its population per capita.

This industrial infrastructure is crucial for transforming waste into valuable resources within the industry.

Growing domestic recycling: indirect injection into industry

Although the focus is industrial, domestic recycling influences the demand for recycled raw materials.

In 2024, Ecoembes managed the recycling of more than 1.56 million tons of household packaging.

A historic record that represents 5.4% growth compared to 2023.

A historic record that represents 5.4% growth compared to 2023.

These figures demonstrate a social commitment that fuels the industrial recycling cycle.

Sectoral innovation and sustainability on the rise

The Spanish Plastics Industry Strategy strengthens the use of recycled plastic, eco-design, and decarbonization through electrification and renewable energy.

Furthermore, it stands out for promoting both mechanical and chemical processes, and is committed to traceability through technologies such as blockchain.

At the 4th ANARPLA Congress, an installed recycling capacity of 2,227 kt was reported, managed by 160 companies and 185 active facilities.

Government impetus and citizen awareness

Despite progress, the yellow container shows persistent difficulties.

In 2023, only 41.3% of plastic bottles were recycled, well below the target of 70% by 2025.

This reinforces the need for a deposit, return, and refund system (DRRS).

Facts to keep in mind regarding industrial plastic recycling

  • Actual capacity:

Spain not only has the capacity, it is using it.

  • Cutting-edge technology:

Projects like pyrolysis in Huelva represent a leap forward in chemical recycling and the recovery of difficult-to-use plastics.

  • Volume on the rise:

Domestic recycling continues to grow, generating more recycled raw materials to re-enter production processes.

  • Strategic drive:

The national strategy, with investments in R&D&I and sustainability, consolidates an industrial vision aligned with climate neutrality.

  • Education and legislation united:

Innovations such as reward systems and the possible implementation of the SDDR reflect an evolving dynamic, where citizenship and politics mutually reinforce each other.

Positive impact of industrial plastic recycling

Energy savings and reduction of raw materials

Using recycled plastic means less oil and natural gas consumption and requires less energy than producing it from scratch.

Quality of post-industrial plastic

Post-industrial plastic is usually highly pure and suitable for reincorporation into the same production process or transformation into new products.

Thus avoiding unnecessary waste.

Circular economy and pollution reduction

Reusing industrial plastics promotes the circular economy and drastically reduces the environmental impact of waste.

Challenges and solutions to promote industrial plastic recycling

  • Material contamination:

The presence of impurities makes recycling difficult.

Implementing source separation strategies is crucial.

  • High logistics and technological costs:

The complexity of transportation and storage raises prices.

Optimizing the logistics chain and taking advantage of incentives can make all the difference.

  • Variability in the properties of recycled material:

This limits its use in demanding processes.

However, new bio-inspired designs are reducing this variability by up to 90%.

  • Insufficient regulation and eco-design:

Promoting clear standards and sustainable design practices would allow for a qualitative leap in industrial recycling.

Industrial plastic recycling has the potential to transform the plastics industry, generating environmental and economic benefits.

However, achieving a circular economy requires addressing technical, logistical, and regulatory challenges.

At Baidal, we believe that reporting with solid data is the first step in driving change.


Tips for better recycling in summer

It’s the middle of summer and you’re probably enjoying a well-deserved vacation.

And while we should have fun on our days off, we shouldn’t let our recycling get slack.

Summer is one of the times of year when we generate the most waste: bottles, containers, bags, disposable utensils…

All of this can have a huge impact on the environment if we don’t recycle properly.

At Baidal, as specialists in plastics recycling and processing, we want to help you recycle better during the warmer months.

Because every small gesture counts in building a more sustainable future.

Why is it more important to recycle in the summer?

During the summer, outdoor activities, travel, fast food, and the use of single-use products increase.

Consumption of cold drinks and packaged foods is also increasing, significantly increasing the amount of plastic waste.

If not managed properly, these wastes end up on beaches, rivers, forests, or in landfills, polluting our natural environment.

Therefore, adopting good recycling habits in the summer is not only important, it’s necessary.

7 practical tips for recycling better in summer

At Baidal, we want recycling to be easy, convenient, and part of your routine, even on vacation.

Here are some tips you can apply starting today:

1. Learn about local containers

If you’re on vacation in another city or country, check how the local recycling system works.

Colors and categories may vary.

Having this information on hand prevents errors and ensures that your waste is recycled correctly.

2. Always carry a bag to separate waste

Whether at the beach, in the mountains, or at a barbecue, have a bag handy for plastic, cans, or paper.

Separating waste at the time makes it much easier to recycle later.

3. Avoid the use of single-use plastics

Reusable bottles, bamboo cutlery, Tupperware, and cloth bags are excellent options for reducing waste.

At Baidal, we work every day to give plastic a second life, but the most sustainable option is always to reduce its consumption.

4. Clean containers before throwing them away

A common mistake is to throw away dirty containers or containers with food leftovers.

This can contaminate other recyclable materials.

A quick rinse is all it takes to ensure proper sorting.

5. Recycle outside the home too

Many people think that recycling is only done at home.

But more and more public spaces (beaches, parks, shopping centers) have separate containers.

Use them and set an example.

6. Be a conscious consumer

Choose products with recyclable or biodegradable packaging.

Check the labels and choose brands that support recycling and the circular economy.

7. Educate and share

If you have children or are with friends, talk about the importance of recycling. Involving others and encouraging sustainable habits multiplies the positive impact.

Recycling and circular economy

At Baidal, we are dedicated to the recovery and transformation of plastics to give them a new useful life.

We work with industries, distributors, and manufacturers that focus on high-quality recycled materials and a more environmentally friendly production model.

We promote responsible practices that help reduce the environmental footprint.

We turn waste into resources, closing the plastic cycle with technology, innovation, and environmental commitment.

馃尡 Together, we’re giving plastic a second chance.

 

The impact of microplastics on our lives

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter that have become an environmental and public health concern.

These tiny particles come from a variety of sources, including the degradation of larger plastic products and intentional release in industrial and consumer products.

Their ubiquity in water, air, and food has generated growing interest in understanding their effects on ecosystems and human health.

Sources of microplastics

They can be classified into two main types:

Primary microplastics:

These are those intentionally designed for specific products.

Such as facial scrubs, toothpastes, and industrial pellets used in the manufacture of plastics.

Secondary microplastics:

They are generated from the degradation of larger plastic products.

Microplastics

Such as bottles, bags, and synthetic textiles, due to exposure to sunlight, friction, and other environmental factors.

Environmental impact of microplastics

Microplastic pollution seriously affects marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

These particles can be ingested by aquatic organisms, entering the food chain and affecting biodiversity.

In addition, they can act as vectors of toxic substances by adsorbing chemical contaminants present in water, such as heavy metals and pesticides.

Effects on wildlife include:

  • Blockage of the digestive tract of marine animals.
  • Reduction in feeding and growth capacity.
  • Alterations in the reproductive patterns of aquatic species.

In terrestrial ecosystems, they have been found in agricultural soils.

In that case, they can affect soil fertility and nutrient uptake by plants.

Impact of microplastics on human health

Human exposure to microplastics occurs primarily through:

  • Water and food consumption: They have been found in drinking water, fish, shellfish, table salt, and even fruits and vegetables.
  • Inhalation: Plastic fibers in the air can be inhaled and deposited in the lungs.
  • Contact with everyday products: cosmetics, synthetic textiles, and plastic packaging can release microplastics over time.

Microplastics

While the exact impact on human health is still being investigated, some studies suggest they may cause:

  • Inflammation and oxidative stress in cells.
  • Hormonal changes due to the presence of endocrine disruptors.
  • Possible neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects.

Solutions to reduce microplastic pollution

Reducing the presence of microplastics in the environment requires a joint effort between governments, industries, and citizens.

Some key strategies include:

  • Responsible use of plastic: reduce consumption of single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives.
  • Recycling improvements: Promote proper recycling of plastics to minimize their breakdown into smaller particles.
  • Stricter regulations: banning their use in cosmetic products and encouraging the development of biodegradable materials.
  • Research and technology: developing effective methods to filter microplastics from water and improving waste management.

Microplastics represent a major environmental and health challenge.

Their ubiquity in the environment and their potential impact on human health make it urgent to implement effective solutions to reduce their presence.

Raising awareness and adopting sustainable practices are essential to mitigating the negative effects of these pollutants and protecting both current and future generations.

Recycling plastics in the food sector: challenges and solutions

Plastic recycling in the food sector has become an important issue in the sustainability debate. As environmental awareness grows and regulations tighten, the food industry is looking to reduce its ecological footprint. Here, plastic management plays a key role. This sector faces a number of specific challenges that must be overcome in order to meet societal and regulatory expectations. In today’s blog, we discuss the main challenges facing plastic recycling in the food industry, as well as some of the solutions that are already in place to improve the situation.

The challenges of plastic recycling in the food sector

Pollution and food safety

One of the main obstacles to recycling plastics in the food sector is the strict regulations related to food safety.

Plastic packaging that has been in contact with food must meet high standards of purity to avoid contamination. This means that even if plastic can be recycled, it is not always possible to reuse it to make new food packaging. Especially if the recycled material does not guarantee the necessary safety or quality. Recycled plastics that contain food residues or that have absorbed chemicals during their life cycle can become a source of contamination. The recycling process must therefore be extremely rigorous. This increases the costs and complexity of the process.

Complexity of plastic materials

The food industry uses a wide variety of plastic types, from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) for bottles and rigid containers, to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) for bags and packaging.

Each type of plastic requires a specific recycling process, which complicates waste management and sorting. In addition, many food products come in composite packaging, which combines several types of plastics or even other materials such as paper or aluminium. These multi-layer materials are particularly difficult to recycle, as separating them efficiently is expensive and technologically complex.

Low effective recycling rate

Although plastic recycling in general has increased in recent years, the effective recycling rate for plastics in the food sector remains low. This is because many consumers do not separate properly.

Limited infrastructure

Although technologies exist to recycle plastics, the infrastructure available to carry out this process on a global scale remains limited.

Many recycling plants are not equipped to process food-grade plastics, which reduces recycling rates in the sector.

Solutions for recycling plastics in the food sector

New technological and strategic solutions are emerging to address this problem more effectively:

Chemical recycling

Chemical recycling is one of the most promising solutions. Unlike mechanical recycling, which can only reprocess relatively high-quality plastics, chemical recycling breaks down plastics into their basic chemical components, allowing them to be reconverted into virgin materials.

Biodegradable and compostable plastics

Biodegradable and compostable plastics are gaining ground in the food sector.

Although they are not a direct solution to recycling, they can alleviate the burden of plastic waste, if properly managed in industrial composting infrastructures.

Ecodesign for recyclability

Companies are adopting eco-design to create plastic packaging that is easier to recycle. This includes reducing composite materials that are difficult to separate and eliminating inks and adhesives that contaminate the recycling stream. Eliminating plastic in the food sector is practically impossible today. That is why we must look for alternatives that facilitate its recycling or reuse.

Recycling vs Disposal. What is the best option for plastic?

Plastic has become one of the big problems in our society. It is one of the most versatile and used materials in the modern world. However, its durability and resilience also make it a significant environmental threat. Every day, tons of plastics end up in landfills, rivers and oceans, causing harm to marine life and contaminating entire ecosystems. Faced with this crisis, two major approaches emerge to manage plastic waste: recycling and disposal. But what is really the best option?

Plastic problem: Why is its correct management crucial?

 

Before looking at solutions, it’s important to understand the scope of the plastic problem. Plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose. plastic waste management

During that time, it can fragment into microplastics that contaminate soil, water and living organisms. Despite global efforts to reduce plastic consumption, production of this material continues to increase. Much of the discarded plastic ends up in landfills or is incinerated. While another part ends up recycled. Hence the question of what to do with plastic, whether to recycle it or eliminate it, is increasingly relevant.

Recycling: Advantages and challenges

Advantages of plastic recycling

Recycling is one of the most effective solutions to manage plastic waste. The process involves collecting, sorting and transforming used plastic into new products. The advantages of recycling are several: Reduction of waste
: Recycling prevents large amounts of plastic from ending up in landfills or the environment, reducing pollution. Saving resources
: By recycling plastic, the need to produce new plastic from non-renewable resources such as oil is reduced. This reduces the environmental impact related to the extraction and production of these materials. Decreased carbon footprint
: Recycling plastic generally requires less energy than producing virgin plastic. This translates into a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Challenges of plastic recycling

Despite its benefits, plastic recycling faces several obstacles that limit its effectiveness: Technical difficulties: Not all types of plastic can be recycled. plastic recycling Some plastics are difficult to process due to their mixed composition. Insufficient infrastructure: In many countries, the infrastructure for collecting and processing plastic waste is inadequate.

Elimination of plastic: Advantages and risks

Plastic disposal methods

Plastic disposal often refers to incineration or landfilling. These methods have some advantages: Volume reduction: Incineration can significantly reduce the volume of plastic waste, reducing pressure on landfills. Energy recovery: Some modern incineration systems allow energy to be recovered from burned plastic, which can be used to generate electricity.

Risks and disadvantages of disposal

However, disposal also presents significant environmental and social risks: Emission of pollutants: Incineration of plastics generates toxic emissions, such as dioxins and furans, which can be dangerous to human health and the environment if not properly controlled. waste burning Although technology has advanced, not all countries have access to secure facilities. Soil and water pollution: Landfilling plastics remains the most common option, but these materials can take centuries to decompose, leaching toxic substances into soil and groundwater. Loss of resources: By burning or burying plastic, the opportunity to reuse a valuable resource is wasted. This contributes to the continued extraction of oil and other non-renewable materials to produce more plastic.

What is the best option?

The answer to this question is not simple, as it depends on several factors, such as the type of plastic, local infrastructure, and environmental priorities. However, recycling appears to be a preferable option in most cases due to its potential to reduce pollution, save resources, and decrease carbon emissions. It is also necessary to improve recycling efficiency, educate consumers about the correct separation of waste and promote technological innovations that allow a greater variety of plastics to be recycled. At the same time, it is crucial that companies and governments adopt policies that favor the design of more sustainable and recyclable plastic products. On the other hand, the elimination of plastic, although useful in certain contexts, should be considered as a last option, especially if it involves incineration without emissions control or its disposal in landfills. The best solution to the plastic problem lies not only in choosing between recycling or eliminating, but in adopting a comprehensive strategy that includes reduction,
recycling and, where necessary, controlled disposal. By combining these strategies, we can reduce the environmental impact of plastic and move towards a more sustainable future.

Life after recycling: surprising recycled products

Plastic recycling is one of our great allies in the fight against pollution and climate change.

And the data tells us that we recycle more and better every time.

Thanks to this, a world of possibilities has opened up to give new life to discarded materials.

In today’s blog we will discover some recycled products that show us that life after recycling can be very innovative.

1. Sustainable Furniture

For some time now, recycled plastic has become a very popular material for manufacturing furniture.

Many companies in the sector have developed techniques to convert plastic bottles, for example, into tables and structures that are used in the creation of all types of furniture.

These furniture contribute to reducing the demand for wood and other non-renewable resources, in addition to being aesthetically attractive.

2. Environmentally Conscious Clothing

Sustainable fashion is gaining ground, and recycled plastic has become a widely used option for clothing manufacturing.

Clothing made from recycled plastic fibers not only reduces the amount of plastic waste in landfills, but also decreases reliance on virgin materials and the associated carbon footprint.

3. Educational and Fun Toys

Toys made from recycled plastic are a unique opportunity to teach children the importance of recycling from a young age.

We can now find puzzles, building blocks and educational toys made with recycled plastic in stores.

Toys that convey a positive message about environmental responsibility.

4. Sustainable Footwear

The footwear industry has embraced the recycled plastic trend, creating sneakers and sneakers that combine style with sustainability.

Some brands use recycled plastic bottles to make the uppers of their shoes.

Thus demonstrating that fashion and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

5. Eco-Friendly Technology

Electronics made from recycled plastic have gained popularity in the search for sustainable alternatives.

From phone cases to computer accessories, recycled products reduce the need for new materials.

And they also promote environmental awareness among technology consumers.

This shows us that life after recycling is not only possible, but also creative.

Innovation in the manufacturing of recycled products is changing the way we view discarded materials.

Recycled plastic is finding its way into a wide variety of products, offering environmental solutions and very valid opportunities for a more sustainable future.

By continuing to support recycling and opting for recycled products, each of us can contribute to this positive change and make life after recycling a reality.

 

Upcycled Art. Waste turned into art

In a world increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and waste management, Upcycled Art has emerged as a great artistic expression.

It not only inspires through its beauty, but also contributes positively to the environment.

Upcycled Art is an artistic practice that focuses on the transformation of discarded or unused materials into unique and meaningful works of art.

In this article, we tell you what it consists of and its advantages from the point of view of waste and recycling management.

What is Upcycled Art?

Upcycled Art is based on the principle of giving new life to objects and materials that would otherwise be considered trash.

Unlike conventional recycling, which involves the decomposition of materials for reuse in similar products, upcycling transforms these materials into something new and original, preserving their original essence.

Upcycled artists explore the beauty of the unusual and the old-fashioned.

They look for a new narrative from apparently useless objects.

Advantages of Upcycled Art

Upcycled Art offers numerous advantages in the field of waste management and recycling:

Waste Reduction:

By reusing discarded objects and materials, Upcycled Art contributes to the reduction of waste in landfills.

In addition to the decrease in the need for resources for the production of new objects.

Environmental Awareness:

These works of art serve as visual reminders of the importance of sustainability and resource reuse.

In this way, they promote environmental awareness.

Unlimited Creativity:

Upcycled artists have an infinite palette of materials to work with.

This encourages creativity and experimentation.

Artistic and Economic Value:

Upcycled works are often valued for their uniqueness, which can increase their artistic and economic value.

Upcycled Art Artists

Within the artistic community, several artists have stood out for their commitment to upcycled art:

Vik Muniz:

Work created by Vik Muniz

A renowned Brazilian artist.

Muniz uses unusual materials such as chocolate, toys and electronic waste to create iconic works of art.

His works explore identity, culture and sustainability.

Mandy Barker:

Work created by Mandy Barker

This British photographer uses plastics found on beaches around the world.

With them, create stunning images that highlight plastic pollution in our oceans.

El Anatsui:

Work created by El Anatsui

Originally from Ghana, El Anatsui is famous for his impressive sculptures made from aluminum bottle caps.

He assembles them artistically to form colossal and glittering works.

Examples of Upcycled Art Works

“Tire Butterflies” by Chakaia Booker:

Work created by Chakaia Booker

Using discarded tires cut into strips, American artist Chakaia Booker creates sculptures that evoke the grace and fragility of butterflies.

“Beach Trash” by Barry Rosenthal:

Work created by Barry Rosenthal

Rosenthal collects objects found on beaches and arranges them in geometric patterns to create artistic installations that highlight pollution in our seas.

“Recycled Metal Sculptures” by John Lopez:

Work created by John L贸pez

South Dakota artist John Lopez creates stunning sculptures from scrap metal, such as car parts and obsolete farm equipment.

Upcycled Art is an exciting and sustainable form of artistic expression that transforms discarded materials into unique and meaningful works of art.

Through the creativity of artists committed to sustainability, upcycled art not only inspires, but also promotes more responsible and environmentally conscious waste management.

These artists prove that beauty and meaning can be found in the most unexpected places, breathing new life into what was once considered trash.

And what do you think of Upcycled Art?

Terrifying crafts for Halloween with recycled material

Halloween is a time of year full of magic, creativity and fun.

Pumpkins, ghosts and witches flood our homes and streets, and to celebrate this terrifying day there is no better way than to get involved in some themed crafts.

But what if you want to be environmentally friendly and avoid the accumulation of more waste?

The answer is simple: Halloween crafts with recycled material!

Today we bring five creative ideas so you can transform your waste into spooky decorations.

1. Plastic Bottle Ghosts:

Ghosts are an iconic part of Halloween, and you can easily create them from empty plastic bottles.

For this craft, you will need:

  • Empty transparent plastic bottles.
  • Old fabrics or white paper.
  • Scotch tape
  • black marker

Steps:

  1. Wash and dry plastic bottles
  2. Cover each bottle with a white cloth or white paper and secure with tape.
  3. Draw creepy eyes and mouths on the bottles with a black marker.
  4. You can place an LED light inside each bottle to make the ghosts glow in the dark.
  5. Enjoy your recycled ghosts lighting up your Halloween space!

2. Cardboard Pumpkin Garlands:

Pumpkins are the classic symbol of Halloween, and you can create a pumpkin garland from recycled cardboard.

Here’s what you need:

  • Old cardboard (like cereal or cookie boxes).
  • Orange and green paint.
  • Scissors
  • Cord or thread.

Steps:

  1. Draw a pumpkin shape on the cardboard and cut it out.
  2. Paint the pumpkins orange and add green details on top.
  3. Let the paint dry completely.
  4. Poke holes in the top of each pumpkin and thread string or string through them to create your garland.
  5. Hang your pumpkin garland on your door, window or fireplace.

3. Can Candle Holders:

If you have empty cans, you can turn them into terrifying Halloween candle holders.

This is what you need:

  • Empty and clean cans
  • Black and orange paint.
  • Brushes.
  • Small candles or LED lights

Steps:

  1. Paint the cans black or orange and let the paint dry.
  2. Use a finer brush to add details like pumpkin faces or black cats.
  3. Place a small candle or LED light inside each can.
  4. Light the candles and enjoy the spooky atmosphere your recycled candle holders create.

4. Egg Carton Bats:

Bats are another classic Halloween element, and you can easily make them from recycled egg cartons.

You will need:

  • Empty egg carton.
  • Black paint.
  • Scissors
  • Sticky eyes (or paper and glue).
  • Thread or rope.

Steps:

  1. Cut the cups out of the individual egg cartons.
  2. Paint the cardboard cups black and let the paint dry.
  3. Add sticky eyes or create eyes with paper and glue.
  4. Punch a small hole in the top of each bat and thread some string or string to hang them.
  5. Decorate your home with a flock of recycled bats that seem to fly everywhere.

5. CD Spider Garlands:

Old CDs that you no longer use can be transformed into spiders to decorate your house for Halloween.

You will need:

  • Old CDs or DVDs.
  • Black paint.
  • Sticky eyes (or paper and glue).
  • Spider legs (you can use black pipe cleaners).
  • Rope or thread.

Steps:

  1. Paint the bottom of the CD or DVD black and let it dry.
  2. Add sticky eyes or create eyes with paper and glue.
  3. Attach the spider legs to the bottom of the CD.
  4. Punch a hole in the top of the CD and string some string or thread to hang it.
  5. Hang your recycled spiders throughout the house for a spooky decoration.

These Halloween crafts with recycled materials are not only fun to make, but they also help reduce the amount of waste we generate.

Take the opportunity to get creative and scare your friends and family with your recycled Halloween decorations this year!

隆Happy Halloween!

Recycle after summer holidays

Summer vacation is a time of relaxation for most.

However, they can also lead to a significant increase in the amount of waste generated.

From disposable plastic packaging to souvenirs and gifts, it’s easy to accumulate a lot of waste.

As we prepare to get back into the routine after the summer holidays, it is essential to maintain and reinforce our recycling habits at home.

Here we offer you some tips to do it effectively.

Purposes to recycle after the holidays

1. Waste Classification:

The first step to effective recycling is the proper classification of waste.

Make sure you have separate containers for paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and organic waste.

This will facilitate the recycling process and ensure that recyclable materials are not mixed with non-recyclable waste.

2. Plastic Reduction:

During the holidays, it is common to use plastic containers for fast foods and drinks.

After the holidays, try to reduce your plastic consumption.

Opt for reusable containers instead of disposable bottles and containers.

Not only will this reduce the amount of waste you generate, but it will also help combat plastic pollution.

3. Creative Reuse:

Before getting rid of items you no longer need, consider whether they can have a second life.

Glass bottles, for example, can become beautiful decorative lamps.

Plastic containers can be used to store food or as pots for plants.

Creative reuse can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

4. Composting:

If you have organic waste, such as food scraps, fruit and vegetable peelings, consider starting composting at home.

Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills while creating a natural fertilizer for your plants and garden.

5. Family Education:

Involve the whole family in the recycling process. Teach them the importance of properly sorting waste and reducing plastic consumption.

You can turn it into a family game or challenge to make it more fun and motivating.

6. Electronic Recycling:

If you purchased new electronic devices or threw away old ones during the holidays, be sure to recycle them properly.

Electronics contain valuable components and harmful substances that must be managed properly.

Check electronics recycling locations in your area.

7. Selective Collection Program:

Find out about the selective collection program in your community.

Cities often offer collection services for recyclables, such as paper, cardboard, glass and plastic.

Make sure you actively participate in these programs.

8. Responsible Purchase:

The key to reducing waste is making responsible purchases.

Before purchasing a product, consider its durability and whether it is recyclable or not.

Opt for products with less packaging and look for sustainable alternatives.

9. Donations:

If you have items that you no longer need but are in good condition, consider donating them instead of throwing them away.

This not only reduces the amount of waste, but can also help those in need.

10. Maintain Consistency:

Recycling shouldn’t just be a post-vacation habit.

You must maintain it throughout the year.

Set reminders and remain consistent in your efforts to care for the environment.

After the summer holidays, it is important to reflect on our consumer habits and their impact on the planet.

By following these tips and maintaining a constant commitment to recycling, each of us can contribute significantly to the conservation of the environment and the creation of a cleaner, more sustainable world for future generations.

Do you know what littering is? We tell you

Littering. It may not sound like it to you, but it is a concept that, unfortunately, is becoming more and more current.

In today’s article we tell you what exactly it is and how we can prevent it.

What is littering?

Littering is a term used to refer to the garbage found in the environment, such as plastics, bottles, cans, bags, among others.

This problem is increasingly common and has serious consequences for the environment, and it is a global problem.

We are fully aware of the negative impact that many of our actions have on nature.

Currently, it is estimated that there are around 8 million tons of plastic in the oceans, for example, which is having a negative impact on marine fauna and water quality.

Plastic waste also affects terrestrial ecosystems, since it contaminates the soil and can affect the health of the flora and fauna that inhabit it.

How many times have we gone out for a walk in the countryside and found bottles, cans and other waste lying around in the middle of nature?

What consequences does littering have?

Littering has serious consequences for the environment:

  1. Soil contamination: Plastic waste and other debris can contaminate the soil, which can affect the health of the flora and fauna that inhabit it.
  2. Water pollution: Litter can also contaminate water, both in rivers and oceans, which can affect water quality and marine life.
  3. Impact on fauna: Plastic waste can be confused by marine and terrestrial fauna with food, which can cause harm and even death to animals.
  4. Impact on the climate: Littering can also have an impact on the climate, since some materials, such as plastic, take years to decompose and can release greenhouse gases.
  5. Increases the risk of forest fires: A glass bottle exposed to the sun can start a fire.
  6. It can increase the risk of flooding: Depending on the area where we throw garbage, it can end up in the drains, clogging them.

It is important to take steps to reduce the amount of waste we produce and to properly recycle the materials we use to reduce our impact on the environment.

Actions to prevent and eliminate littering

Recycling is one of the most effective solutions to combat it.

By recycling, you reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and use less energy to produce new products.

Plastic recycling, in particular, is one way to combat litter, since plastic is one of the main pollutants in the environment.

We also have to do our part, if we go out to the field we must collect all our waste and leave nothing behind.

Just like if we go to the beach or any other natural environment.

Even if we don’t get dirty, we can also help by cleaning up what, unfortunately, others have made dirty.

If we go to the field to spend the day and see that there is rubbish around us, we can pick it up and throw it away with our waste.

It would also be convenient to influence environmental education, holding workshops in schools and institutes, for example.

If we teach our children and youth to take care of the environment, they will always do so.

In conclusion, littering is a serious problem that affects the environment.

If we all come together in this effort, we can make a big positive change on our planet.