6 Tips on Improving Your Recycling Throughout the Day

Making better use of recyclable materials requires the right strategy. This guide aims to provide tips on improving your recycling on a daily basis.

Are you trying to improve your daily recycling routine? You're doing your best to make your carbon footprint as small as possible, but you also know that you could do better, right?

There are plenty of ways to practice improving your recycling habits both in your home and out in public. These changes are easy but they make a big impact!

Not sure how to start? We're here to help. Keep reading for our top tips for living a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

1. Use Recycled Products

One of the best and easiest things that you can do when you want to be better at recycling and living an eco-friendly life is to use products that are made from recycled materials.

While more and more businesses are coming to understand the importance of recycled products, many mass-produced items still are made fresh from brand new materials. Worse, many of these materials aren't recyclable at all (more on that later).

You may find that there's a slightly higher price tag for recyclable products, but keep in mind that these products still have benefits. Eco-friendly products aren't just good for the environment; they're also good for your wallet in the long run.

These products may last longer than more affordable (and less sustainable) mass-produced options. They even make great eco gifts!

2. Keep a Recyclables Container At Home

Do you struggle with recycling because you're not sure where to put recyclables? Many people who don't have access to reliable recycling in their area may struggle to collect things to bring to local recycling centres because it isn't convenient.

Put a bin for recyclables in your kitchen near your usual rubbish bin, but don't forget you can also put bins in your bathroom and anywhere else that you often have recyclable rubbish.

There's no reason why they can't be part of your interior decor too - it might be helpful to use nice-looking bins so you're more likely to put them out. This will make visitors more likely to use them as well.

3. Bring a Recyclables Container with You

So what about when you're out and about? You may still need to recycle when you aren't home, and there aren't always available bins for recycling. What about when you're recycling at work, while shopping, or even when you're on a walk with takeaway food or coffee?

Bring a bag with you to hold recyclable garbage. If you must use non-reusable items, you can place them in the bag and recycle them when you get home or find a bin. This is also a great way to get out into the community and recycle rubbish that you see in public.

Re-usable shopping bags are great for this purpose. They're small and stylish enough to keep with you and they fold up easily for when you're not using them.

4. Avoid Non-Recyclable Items

It's hard to rid yourself of everything that isn't recyclable. The world does not cater to people who are trying to live an eco-friendly lifestyle yet.

Take a look at what can and can not be recycled. Some of these things may be surprising to you. This is why it's so important to do your research and keep educating yourself, even if you think that you're an expert on green living.

You can't avoid everything, but you can make attempts to do better.

Start cycling out non-recyclable objects in your home, but don't be wasteful. It's far better to keep a non-recyclable object for as long as possible than it is to throw it away, even if that's a tempting option.

Remember, "reduce" is the first step when it comes to living an eco-friendly lifestyle. Throwing non-recyclable things away is counterproductive.

When your non-recyclable things no longer appeal to you, see if you can donate the things that are in good condition. Throwing things into the garbage should be a last resort.

5. Re-Use (When You Can)

Speaking of avoiding throwing things away, start using reusable items if you haven't already done so.

When you're going out for coffee or tea, bring your own reusable cup as long as the coffee shop allows for that. While coffee cups are often cardboard, the lining may make them non-recyclable.

Use your own bags while you're out shopping and buy in bulk to place things in glass jars when you can.

This is also important when it comes to items that are already in your home. What can you repurpose when you no longer need it as-is?

Old clothes that are no longer in good condition, especially if they're fast fashion, can turn into new clothes with a bit of sewing. You could also cut them up to use as rags or spare fabric. There are so many ways to re-use old clothing.

Instead of buying new glass jars, use jars that held jam, salsa, dips, or any other food products. Clean them out, let them dry, and they're ready to hold your goods.

6. Avoid Single-Use Plastics

On the topic of re-using, stay away from single-use plastics when you can. Again, opt for your own bags instead of plastic bags at the shops, avoid plastic cutlery, and be wary of any cheap plastic items.

But what about when you want to host a party and you don't want to clean everything? There are plenty of recyclable options for single-use items that won't damage the environment.

They're made out of sustainable plastic, bamboo, cardboard, and sometimes even edible materials. These are great solutions when you need something to be disposable but you're not willing to harm the environment.

Start Improving Your Recycling Habits Today

Even the best recycler can make a change. Use this list to start improving your recycling habits and help the environment. Remember, even though you're only one person, doing your part to avoid pollution and damage to the ecosystem helps.

Are you looking for recycled products for your home? At Pasoluna, we've products for every value and every style, not to mention some great recycled gifts to share the love and help build an eco-friendly lifestyle.