The amount of waste that ends up in landfill is staggering. Millions of tonnes of waste gets disposed in landfills every week without a second thought. The need for people to adopt a circular model when it comes to waste is more important than ever. People can start taking action by implementing the following practices in their home.
Recycle printer cartridges.
The amount of printer cartridges that ends up in landfill is a big problem. It’s estimated that over 30 million printer cartridges end up in landfill every year and that less than 10 million are actually recycled. It takes between 400-1000 years for ink cartridges to degrade and the toxins from the plastic can contaminate the Earth and waterways. The problem comes from people disposing the printer cartridges as regular trash or in their recycling bin. Both of these disposal methods are a guaranteed way for the item to end up in landfill sites. Instead, there are special recycling centres that will take the plastics and metals from the printer cartridges and turn them into new items such as plastic pens.
The easiest way to recycle your ink cartridges is to find an ink cartridge supplier that provides a recycling scheme. (For example, Brother Ink Cartridges) Cartridges Direct has partnered with Cartridges for Planet Ark so that people can safely dispose their used printer cartridges in any post office. These cartridges will be sent back to the OEMs who will manage the recycling process for the used cartridges.
Avoid buying disposable items.
There are too many disposable items available in stores. If you purchase these items, you will use them once and then throw them away to be dumped at a landfill site. Consider replacing disposable items with sustainable alternatives. For example:
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Replace disposable cups with ceramic cups.
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Replace disposable utensils with metal utensils.
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Replace disposable towels with cotton or woollen towels.
Compost.
Much of the food that we consume can actually be turned into compost mulch. Any peelings or pieces from unused fruits or vegetables can be placed in a compost box or bucket along with any brown foliage from around your property. After a few weeks, you will have a good quality compost that you can use on the plants in your garden.
Store your food in Tupperware rather than in plastic.
When we want to preserve or wrap food, people will quickly use the cling wrap or some type of plastic bag. Instead, people should store their food items in Tupperware to minimize the amount of plastic wrapping that gets used.
Recycle any unused items by donating them.
There are several items that we accumulate in our home that we dispose of when we don’t want to use it anymore. What you should consider is donating it to a thrift shop or charities that can forward the items to other people that are in need.
Aim to live a minimalistic lifestyle.
The best way to avoid waste is by purchasing the items that you need. One of the common things that gets thrown away is spoiled food. Rather than purchasing food in bulk, purchase an amount that you will be able to consume in one meal.
Additionally with your clothes, purchase items that you will last you over the long-term rather than purchasing items for every season.
Harvest water
Water that is collected from rainwater can be used to irrigate gardens or as toilet water in the home. Look into rain harvesting infrastructure that can help you conserve water in the home.
These are a few ways you can minimize waste in your home. Start by doing an audit of your home to identify waste habits or patterns that can be improved upon.
