In the quest to be more eco-friendly, many of us adopt habits that we believe contribute positively to the environment. However, not all "green" practices are as sustainable as they appear. By understanding and adjusting these habits, we can make a more significant impact on our planet. Read on to learn more.
1. Falling for ‘Green’ Marketing
Not all products labelled as “eco-friendly” are genuinely sustainable. It's essential to research and understand the life cycle of products. Some items may have a green label but could be contributing to other forms of environmental strain, such as requiring extensive resources for production or not being recyclable through regular recycling services.
2. Mismanagement of Electronic Waste
Electronic waste is often overlooked in household recycling. Many electronics contain harmful chemicals and materials that should not be disposed of with regular waste. Using a specialised waste disposal service to handle electronic waste is crucial to prevent environmental contamination and promote the recycling of valuable materials.
3. Using Biodegradable Plastics Without Proper Disposal
Biodegradable plastics are often seen as a green alternative to traditional plastics. However, without proper disposal, they can be just as harmful. These plastics need specific conditions to degrade, which are not always available in standard waste disposal services. If not properly managed, they can end up in landfills or the natural environment, just like regular plastics.
4. Excessive Water Usage in Eco-Friendly Gardening
Eco-friendly gardening is a great way to contribute to the environment, but it can backfire if not done wisely. Using too much water, even in gardening, is unsustainable. Implementing water-saving techniques like rainwater harvesting or drip irrigation can make your green space truly eco-friendly.
5. Failure to Recycle Properly
Recycling is a sustainable habit we all strive to embrace, yet it's not always straightforward.
Correct recycling is essential, but tossing anything into any bin without consideration is detrimental to our planet. Many fall into this trap, creating significant issues for recycling facilities. Data from Recycle Now reveals that 84% of homes mistakenly include at least one non-recyclable item in their recycling bins.
Common culprits that spoil recycling efforts include items like drink glasses, foil pouches, soft plastic and toothpaste tubes. When non-recyclables mix with recyclables, it risks the entire batch being discarded and ending up in a landfill.
The best strategy to prevent recycling errors is to pause and think before discarding, and familiarise yourself with the guidelines provided on your local council’s website. Alternatively, you could partner with waste management experts like us to help ensure your waste is disposed of properly.
Being truly green involves a more in-depth understanding and a more conscientious approach towards our daily habits. At Newbery Recycling, we are dedicated to helping you make informed decisions about waste management. Our recycling services, including cardboard recycling and specialised waste disposal, are designed to maximise sustainability and minimise environmental impact. Contact Newbery Recycling for comprehensive and eco-friendly waste disposal and recycling services. Together, we can work towards a greener, cleaner world.