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.

 

fishing net recycling

Recycling, whatever the material, is an important way to help the environment.

One of the lesser known forms of recycling is that of fishing nets.

In today’s article we talk about everything we can do by recycling this material.

Fishing nets and the seas

Fishing nets are a common problem in the seas and oceans.

When these deteriorate or break, many animals can become trapped in them.

This poses a serious danger to marine life and can cause extensive damage.

Its recycling means not only avoiding this type of solution, but also giving it a second life and turning it into something useful.

What products can we obtain with the recycling of fishing nets?

When fishing nets are recycled, a variety of different products can be obtained.

Thread

One of the most common ways to recycle fishing nets is to turn them into yarn.

Yarn from recycled fishing nets can be used to make a variety of different products, including shopping bags, garden netting, and more.

This recycled yarn is strong and durable, making it ideal for use in products that require strength.

Fashion

Furthermore, they can also be used to create fashion products.

Fashion designers have been using recycled fishing nets to create clothing and fashion accessories for years.

Its texture and pattern can create unique designs that are modern and sustainable at the same time.

Sport products

Another common use for recycled fishing nets is in the creation of sporting goods.

They can be used to make soccer balls, basketballs, tennis nets, and more.

These recycled sports products are durable and strong, and feel just as good as products made from traditional materials.

Industrial products

In addition to the products mentioned above, they can also be used to make a variety of industrial products.

For example, to create safety nets for construction, as well as for the protection of bridges and buildings.

They can also be used as filler material to create rugs and rugs.

Recycling fishing nets is not only good for the environment, but it can also be good for the economy.

You can help create jobs and promote the local economy. and most importantly, it helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the seas and oceans.

Tips for recycling in your company

By now we all know about the importance of recycling. But in addition to recycling at home, we can also encourage recycling in our office.

We spend a lot of time in our workplace and we must become aware of and get involved with recycling just like we do at home.

Recycling in the office is an important practice to contribute to caring for the environment.

However, many times we do not know how to start or what to do to achieve effective recycling in the office.

In today’s article we give you some tips and tricks to recycle in our company.

Tips for recycling in the office

The first thing we must do is identify the materials that can be recycled in our office.

Generally, these include paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metals.

To facilitate the separation of these materials, we can place recycling bins in different areas of the office, such as in the kitchen, in the meeting room and in the work stations.

It is important that bins are properly labeled so that employees know what materials to put in each one.

In addition, we must ensure that the containers are large enough and are emptied frequently to prevent them from filling up quickly.

Another important tip for recycling in the office is to reduce the use of paper.

We can do this by using double-sided printing and avoiding printing unnecessary emails and documents.

In addition, we may choose to use emails instead of printing and sending documents.

We can also reuse materials in the office.

For example, we can use envelopes and folders again and refill coffee cups instead of disposable cups.

In this way, we not only reduce the amount of waste we generate, but we also save money.

Another tip is to look for ways to recycle materials that cannot be deposited in conventional recycling bins.

For example, we may recycle printer ink and toner cartridges at specialty stores or through manufacturer recycling programs.

Similarly, discarded electronic equipment should be taken to specialized recycling centers.

The importance of promoting recycling in the company

Fostering a culture of recycling in the office is a highly recommended practice.

We can do this by educating and raising awareness among employees about the importance of recycling and the positive impact it has on the environment.

We can run information campaigns and offer incentives to employees who recycle more.

In summary, recycling in the office is an important practice that we can implement with some basic advice.

In this way, we contribute to caring for the environment and creating a more sustainable work environment.

 

Do you know what the ecological footprint is?

Surely you have heard of the ecological footprint. Everything we do leaves an imprint around us.

Browsing the Internet, each web page we visit or each photo we post on a social network leaves a digital footprint in our wake.

The same thing happens with the environment, each of our actions has an impact.

In today’s article we tell you what the ecological footprint is.

What is the ecological footprint?

The ecological footprint is the impact that each human being has on the planet.

It is also known as environmental footprint and is measurable.

For this, it is necessary to calculate the ecologically productive area necessary to re-produce the resources consumed by a person.

To this is added the necessary surface to absorb the waste generated by that same person.

The ecological footprint serves as an indicator to know the sustainability of human activities.

It is as if each one of us asks ourselves: how many crops, pastures or forests are necessary to cover my lifestyle?

Maybe we don’t give it the necessary importance, but each of our actions has a consequence.

From what we eat to what clothes we buy, including the means of transport we use.

Everything influences the footprint we leave on the planet.

The great importance of the ecological footprint

Expressing with numbers the impact that the different activities that people carry out have on the earth is a great means of raising awareness.

Being aware of the consequences that our way of life has on the environment invites us to reflect on our lifestyle.

In addition to understanding the environmental responsibility that each individual has.

By knowing first-hand the impact of our actions, it is easier for us to become aware and look for other alternatives to some aspects of our routine to minimize that footprint as much as possible.

How to calculate the ecological footprint?

To calculate our ecological footprint, these factors must be taken into account:

– The planet’s biocapacity, which is the planet’s capacity to generate resources.

– Human activity, which corresponds to the resources consumed and discarded by people.

There are calculators that, through a brief questionnaire, can indicate our ecological footprint.

You can try the Fundación Vida Sostenible Calculator.

How can we reduce our ecological footprint?

We can reduce our ecological footprint by putting into practice a series of actions in our day to day.

  • Recycle and reuse as many materials as possible. For this, it is very important to correctly separate our waste and throw it into its corresponding containers.
  • Use renewable energy sources.
  • Reduce meat consumption.
  • Use organic products
  • Buy low-energy appliances.
  • Use less polluting means of transport and walk whenever possible.
  • Optimize the use of water and not waste it.

Doing our part we can try to return to the planet everything we are taking from it.

Put these tips into practice and minimize your ecological footprint. Together we can take care of the environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer crafts with recycled material

Summer has arrived and with it, the school holidays. Crafts are usually an activity that children love and also quite entertaining.

In today’s post we show you some typical summer crafts that are made with recycled material.

Take notes and have fun.

Piñatas with recycled material

There is nothing that children like more than a piñata.

The thrill of being able to open it and collect everything that is inside is something very fun for the little ones.

Also, making a piñata at home is very easy, we will only need:

  • A cardboard box.
  • Paper or fabrics that we have at home. If we don’t have we can buy tissue paper.
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • The sweets or toys that we want to put inside.

How to make our piñata from recycled material?:

  • We choose the shape we want for the piñata: ice cream shape, watermelon slice, beach ball…
  • We cut recycled cardboard.
  • We glue the strips of fabric or paper all over the cardboard.
  • We introduce surprises. We must remember to leave an open space in the box to put the surprises, then we close it.

Fuente: https://www.pinterest.es/pin/140806229600366/

We already have our piñata made of recycled material, now we just have to have fun.

little fish with plastic bottles

This craft is very simple and we need very few materials:

  • Empty plastic bottles.
  • Permanent markers.
  • Gomaeva

To make our fish with recycled material we just have to cut the bottom of the bottle to shape the mouth of the fish.

Then we cut the flaps with foam, although we can also make the flaps with plastic from another empty bottle.

We paint and decorate our fish with the colors that we like the most.

Fuente: https://es.pinterest.com/pin/366480488411823947/

With plastic bottles we can also make a very nice octopus and complete our marine fauna.

https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/7e/15/97/7e15970ee24b49d1b64d9e8c6d9b27c4.jpg

Fuente: https://www.pinterest.es/pin/AS0kHMtKDu8xvRSxo4dtjXqTV2mDCJDuiLnKCf0CmN2RkHVfG8yUPbk/

Mermaids with spoons of recycled material

Summer is the time for barbecues and gatherings with family and friends.

Many of us use disposable utensils to save ourselves from washing up afterwards.

Before the vast majority were made of plastic, now there are other materials that luckily we can reuse again.

But we can also give them another use once used.

With spoons, for example, we can create fun little mermaids.

Fuente: www.pinterest.es

We just need:

  • disposable spoons
  • Cardboard, fabric or any element that we have at home that we can use to make the hair and tail of the mermaids.
  • Felt pens.
  • glitter (optional)
  • Glue

The wide part of the spoon is the mermaid’s head and all we have to do is glue the different elements to make her hair and tail.

We can decorate it with glitter.

Boats with tetrabrik containers

Another thing that is always at home is some food or drink in tetrabrik.

Well, this material can be very useful for us to create beautiful boats with which our children will have a blast.

Need:

  • Tetrabriks
  • Markers or watercolor paints
  • A long toothpick, (like the one used for skewers)
  • Cardstock or fabric to make the candle
  • Glue

Making the boat is very simple:

We put the container horizontally and cut out a part to create the interior of the boat.

On the side we cut out two circles to make the windows.

Then we paint and decorate it as we like.

We make a candle with the toothpick and with the cardboard or the fabric that we have chosen and we stick it on the tetrabrik.

We already have our boat.

There are many crafts that we can do with recycled material and objects that we have at home, so be imaginative and have fun 😉

If you know any summer crafts with recycled material, share it with us!

 

dangerous residues What are they and how are they managed?

If we talk about recycling, we can talk about many types of waste that we can recycle.

But there are some in particular that need special treatment due to their nature. They are called hazardous waste.

In today’s post we tell you what they are and how to manage them.

What are hazardous waste?

We can classify as hazardous waste those materials or products that can release toxic substances into the environment.

They are residues whose own manipulation or carrying out an incorrect discharge can be very dangerous for any living organism, whether they are people, flora and fauna.

That is why it is so important to manage them correctly and following the protocols established in each case to prevent them from posing a risk to health or the environment.

Characteristics of hazardous waste

According to Ecoembes, depending on local regulations, the classification of hazardous waste will follow a specific protocol, but there are a series of standard guidelines that are common:

  • Corrosive residues: these are residues that can corrode the surfaces with which they come into contact. They are generally residues composed of acids. An example is sulfuric acid.
  • Hazardous waste due to chemical reactivity: this type of waste can also corrode surfaces and can even be explosive. Their main characteristic, however, is that they are not dangerous by themselves, but rather react when they come into contact with chemical elements. They usually come from the chemical industry. Some examples are mercury, lead or cadmium.
  • Explosive waste: this is waste that, if not treated properly, can cause explosions. The best known are dynamite or gunpowder.
  • Flammable waste: this waste is especially sensitive to heat and burns easily.
  • Toxic waste: these wastes, which can be organic or inorganic, are those that can be poisonous. They can come from different industries such as metal factories or construction, among others.
  • Radioactive waste: this category includes all those wastes that emit radiation. They can come from the chemical industry or power plants, among others.

Poor management of hazardous waste is the real risk of this waste, so it is essential to first identify it correctly and treat it accordingly.

How to manage hazardous waste?

The management of this waste has the following basic phases:

  1. Storage
  2. Labelled
  3. Transport
  4. Treatment, disposal or recovery operations

There are different factors that must be taken into account when managing hazardous waste. That the people who are going to carry out all the processes have adequate training for the work they are going to carry out is essential, since they must comply with mandatory safety standards.

The appropriate tools must be available to carry out the management, such as the uniforms or the necessary equipment to protect the workers.

We must bear in mind that each waste of a hazardous nature has a specific protocol when it comes to being managed. Workers must be fully aware of the guidelines for action that they must follow at all times.

The conclusion is that hazardous waste is to a greater extent when it is not managed correctly, rather than by its very nature.

Like the materials that we recycle daily at home, this type of waste must be properly treated so that it does not pose a threat to health and the environment.

 

Christmas crafts with mason jars

In a few days we have to get to the Christmas decorations. As recycling lovers that we are, we are going to propose some Christmas crafts with glass jars.

So go saving all those mason jars and take note;)

The best way to recycle mason jars

During the Christmas season we generate more waste. This is because we eat more meals and dinners with family and friends and therefore consume more food and drink.

From Baidal you know that we always encourage you to recycle everything possible and deposit the garbage in the corresponding containers.

If we buy foods that are packaged in glass jars, we can reserve a few to decorate them and make them part of our Christmas atmosphere.

In addition, after the holidays, we can deposit them in the glass container.

Jar with snow

Source: Pinterest

To make the decoration of this jar we need:

– One or more empty and clean glass jars.

-Common salt or epson salt that is a little larger and will give us a more “snowflake” appearance.

-Rope.

-Glue, which is usually used for crafts.

-Candles or Led lights.

-Pineapples, green leaves, berries …

Making these beautiful jars that will look great in our Christmas decorations is very easy:

-Once empty, wash and dry the glass jar well.

-We put the glue all over the outside of the jar with the help of a brush.

-Next, sprinkle the salt all over the jar, being careful not to touch the glue.

-We let it dry for about 20 minutes.

-We tie with the rope two pineapples, berries, leaves or any other element that we like and we think it looks good.

-We put the rope around the neck of the jar.

-To finish, we put a candle or Led lights, whatever we prefer, inside the jar.

Jars with candles as protagonists

Fuente: Hogarmanía

Jars and candles are the perfect combination for Christmas decorations.

We can simply put red or white candles inside the jar and that’s it or we can add something else.

Need:

-A clean glass jar.

-A candle.

-Salt.

-Decoration berries.

-A piece of ribbon, either made of fabric or red wool.

Elaboration:

-We put salt in the jar until a little less than half.

-We place the candle in the center.

-Around the candle we put the decoration berries.

-We make a bow on the neck of the jar with the ribbon.

A Christmas landscape in a jar

Source: Pinterest

If the jar is a good size, we can create our own Christmas passage inside.

It is very easy and we can use ornaments that we have at home, even our children’s dolls, they will love it.

Necessary elements:

-A clean glass jar.

-Cotton

-Some Christmas figure, such as a snowman, a tree or any figure that we like and that fits inside the jar.

-A few tree twigs.

-A piece of cloth.

-Rope or wool.

Elaboration:

-We put cotton in the jar until the entire bottom is covered.

-We place the figure or figures that we have chosen.

-We put the branches to look like a tree.

-We close the jar and place the piece of cloth covering the lid.

-We tie the fabric with rope, thread or wool, making a loop.

Recycling is fun, as you can see and all it brings us are advantages.

These are just a few examples, but imagination to power!

With a glass jar and a few elements you can create a Christmas decoration to your liking and totally personalized.

Share your designs with us😉

 

 

10 alternatives to plastic at home

By now, we all know the serious environmental problem we are facing. That is why in 2018 representatives of the Member States and the European Parliament reached an agreement to reduce plastic pollution.

These measures include, for example, a ban on the sale of single-use plastic items, such as plastic plates, cups or straws.

From home we can do our part and implement various alternatives to the use of plastic. We tell you about them in today’s post.

We can help with the change from home

Make no mistake, our lifestyle is largely based on consumption. Many of the objects we use on a daily basis imply the use of single-use plastic such as bags, plastic wrap to wrap our food or the use of plastic cutlery.

We must bear in mind the 3R method: reduce, that is, buy less, reuse all those objects that we can and recycle. If we have this internalized and also apply a series of changes at home, we will help in this battle in favor of the environment.

Alternatives to plastic at home

1.Bags

It’s something that a lot of people already do and it’s great. We must definitely forget about plastic bags when going to the supermarket and take our cloth bags from home.

It is estimated that more than one million plastic bags are used in the world every minute. These figures are devastating and we have to reverse them.

2. Cutlery

Who has not barbecued with friends and used plastic cutlery for convenience? It is normal, but luckily now there are alternatives to plastic cutlery and they are just as comfortable, as cutlery made of cardboard or bamboo.

A bit of the same happens with drinking straws, they are used very briefly so we can replace them with paper, bamboo or metal straws and forget about plastic.

3.Lunch boxes

Those of us who have small children at home usually use lunch boxes to save their lunch for school or to take a snack to the park.

A good alternative to the typical plastic tuppers or lunch boxes are the metal lunch boxes, they are very comfortable and practical for children.

For the tuppers that we use at home to store food, we can bet on the glass ones. They are quite resistant.

4.Film paper

When we prepare the sandwich for the little ones to take with them to school, the most practical thing is to wrap it in plastic wrap. If we want to stop using it, there are special wrappers to carry sandwiches, sandwiches or pieces of fruit that are made of cotton and can be adjusted to the size we need.

5.Toothbrushes

Renew the toothbrushes of the whole family and forget about those made of plastic. Get toothbrushes made with bamboo and whose bristles are made of biodegradable nylon.

They are also very cool!

6.Female hygiene

The compresses are made of plastic, an alternative would be to use the menstrual cup. They are made of silicone, they are reusable and we can use it for years.

This, in addition to reducing plastic pollution, represents an interesting economic saving for us.

There are also tampons made of organic cotton and totally biodegradable on the market.

7.Water bottles

Water is essential in our day to day and we usually take it everywhere, to school, to the office, to the gym … banish the plastic bottles of your life and bet on glass or stainless steel bottles.

They are comfortable and do not pollute.

8.Hangers

Now that we are in the middle of the wardrobe change for the autumn period, it is a good time to get rid of all the plastic hangers that we have at home.

Wooden hangers are a great alternative to plastic.

9. Buying in bulk

Many of the plastics that come into the house come from the supermarket. Fruits, vegetables or nuts, for example, often come packaged in plastic containers.

We can modify our purchase and acquire some of these products in bulk and take our own mesh bags from home to transport them.

10. Steel trash can

The garbage cans that we have at home are usually made of plastic. One option is to replace it with a stainless steel bucket.

There are some models that incorporate a carbon filter that can be changed and that controls bad odor.

By making these small changes and continuing with our recycling habits, we will do our bit to take care of the environment.

If you want to know more about plastic recycling, visit our website😉

 

 

The importance of recycling batteries correctly

We all know that batteries contain highly polluting elements and that they are very difficult to break down.

Therefore, it is essential that they are recycled and disposed of correctly.

In today’s post we talk about the importance of recycling the pillars correctly and how to do it.

Batteries and their high polluting power

It is estimated that batteries take more than 1,000 years to biodegrade.

Hence the enormous importance of the gesture of recycling them correctly.

A battery contains highly polluting elements such as mercury, chromium, lead, zinc, arsenic or cadmium, which is why it is very harmful to the environment.

A single pile of mercury can contaminate up to 6,000 liters of water.

If we recycle it, we will help improve the quality of the planet’s water, reducing pollution and minimizing the emission of chemical elements.

If we do not recycle our batteries properly, they can decompose, damaging terrestrial ecosystems and be polluted for at least 500 years.

Ways to recycle batteries

There are different ways of recycling depending on the type of battery in question.

What you never have to do is throw them in the conventional trash, or throw them in the field, on the street or on the beach.

After depositing them where they correspond, they are transferred with special machinery to the corresponding treatment plants.

The first step is to classify the materials, as we indicated, each type of pile has a specific recycling process.

We can differentiate between:

  • Alkaline batteries
  • Button batteries
  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Lead batteries

Once the piles have been separated according to their category, most of them are shredded in order to separate their materials more easily.

During this recycling process, an attempt is made to recover different elements that make up the battery, such as magnesium, zinc and other metals.

In some cases, battery incineration is also used to recover cadmium, iron and nickel.

With these processes it is possible to take advantage of up to 75% of the components of a battery.

Components that are later used as raw material in other production processes.

The important thing is that from home we are aware of the high polluting power that something as small as a battery has.

We must do our part and deposit the used batteries in the containers installed for this purpose or take them directly to a clean point in our town.

From home we can collaborate to take care of the environment.