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.

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

 

22 July, 2025 Uncategorized Comments Off on Tips for better recycling in summer

Recycled Plastic vs. Recyclable Plastic: What’s the Difference?

Plastic remains one of the most widely used and debated materials.

Terms like “recycled plastic” and “recyclable plastic” often cause confusion.

Although they sound similar, they do not mean the same thing and have very different implications for the environment.

If you want to better understand these concepts and how they affect our consumer decisions, continue reading our blog.

What is Recyclable Plastic?

Recyclable plastic is plastic that has the potential to be recycled.

That is, it can be processed to become a new product or material.

However, just because a plastic is recyclable does not guarantee that it will actually be recycled.

Some factors that influence its recyclability include:

✅ Plastic type:

Not all plastics are equally recyclable.

The most commonly recycled are PET (water bottles) and HDPE (detergent containers).

✅ Recycling infrastructure:

If there are no adequate recycling centers or if plastic is not collected effectively, it will end up in landfills or in the environment.

✅ Cleaning conditions:

Plastics that are dirty or contaminated with food residue, oil, or other materials may be rejected by recycling plants.

🔹 Examples of recyclable plastics:

Soft drink bottles (PET), milk containers (HDPE), yogurt containers (PP), some packaging plastics.

What is Recycled Plastic?

Recycled plastic is plastic that has already gone through a recycling process and has been reused to make new products.

That is, it is not only recyclable, but it has already been recycled and turned into something new.

Using recycled plastic has important benefits, such as:

♻️ Reduction in the use of virgin plastic

Demand for oil and other natural resources used to make new plastic is decreasing.

♻️ Less waste in landfills and oceans

Help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up polluting the planet.

♻️ Smaller carbon footprint

The manufacturing process with recycled plastic typically requires less energy than producing new plastic.

🔹 Examples of recycled plastic:

Clothing made from recycled PET bottles, street furniture made from recycled plastic, and packaging that indicates it has been manufactured with “X% recycled material.”

Which is Better for the Environment?

The answer depends on several factors, but generally speaking, recycled plastic has a more positive environmental impact than recyclable plastic.

  • Recyclable plastic that isn’t recycled ends up in landfills or the ocean, where it can take hundreds of years to degrade.

  • Recycled plastic has already been reused, reducing the need to produce more virgin plastic.

However, recycling is not the only solution.

It’s also essential to reduce the use of single-use plastics and promote more sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable or reusable packaging.

Although the terms “recycled plastic” and “recyclable plastic” may seem similar, they have key differences.

A recyclable plastic has the potential to be recycled, but this depends on factors such as recycling infrastructure and cleaning.

On the other hand, recycled plastic has already been processed and reused, which reduces its environmental impact.

To contribute to a more sustainable world, it’s not enough to simply choose recyclable plastics.

We must ensure that they are actually recycled and encourage the use of recycled materials.

Furthermore, the best option will always be to reduce the consumption of unnecessary plastics and opt for more environmentally friendly alternatives.

15 April, 2025 Uncategorized Comments Off on Recycled Plastic vs. Recyclable Plastic: What’s the Difference?

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.

2 April, 2025 Uncategorized Comments Off on The impact of microplastics on our lives

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.

13 September, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on Recycle after summer holidays
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