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It is only once you start consciously recycling, that you realise how much you actually contribute to the problem.
Today there is really no valid reason, not to recycle – at some malls, like Cresta they have installed recycling bins, in most of our suburbs Pikitup actually do a run to collect paper and other recyclables or simply leave them outside the gate and the collectors will come round and take it.
We must realise that it is not only recycling, behind the movement we have many families making a living out of our recyclables. But I also feel that our government, local and national, have not done enough to ensure that our waste is handled responsibly and that recycling becomes part of our daily lives. If we have more recycling stations, it would no longer be an excuse.
Recycling is the first step towards being a more responsible global citizen, but then we must also start looking into up-cycling. No, this has nothing to do with the new cycle lanes that the Jozi municipality is building all over the place – UP CYCLING is using your recycling materials, so that you don’t have to buy more or more of the same.
Like plastic and glass bottles, which can be cleaned and reused. Even the paper carton rolls in your toilet rolls can be reused, as art projects for yourself or your children.
I always save my toilet roll cartons, egg cartons and those little containers that your fruit and veg comes in - and I deliver them to the nearest creches or primary schools – they always need something for projects for the kiddies.
Check out the internet, there are so many art projects for this kind of stuff – and Christmas is on the way, so make your own decorations.
Hang on, I’m on roll here – what about our water usage and recycling? You can even “recycle” your veggies – like buy a bushel of coriander, buy a bush with its roots still attached, then you can use the leaves and plant the roots – it grows!
Use can even keep your empty cereal bags, when you buy bulk meat, use these bags to store your meat, as it prevents freezer burning the meat. I am now searching for household recycle tips. It has become a game at home – who can come up with the zaniest and most creative ideas.
Recycling and upcycling are just 2 ways of ensuring in our own little ways, that Mother Nature stands a chance of surviving our brutality.
This was written in response by a reader to the article: The truth nobody wants to hear
To read more on recycling and how it is helping communities check out:
How recycling can help the community
I challenge you to recycle for 3 days
