I recently while doing a freelance job realized what a large percentage of plastic we use cannot recycle in many communities mine included. At the present time my town only reclycles no's 1 and 2 plastics.
Having heard of the large mass of plastic floating in the Pacific Ocean, the size of two Texases that scientists have knicknamed "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch" (google this and you will find a lot of info.). This mass is going great harm to the ocean life, sea turtles etc are getting sick from mistaking it for plankton their source of food. Reading about this got me thinking....
More ahead
So many products we buy today are in non recyclable plastic containers and there is no reason the companies cannot use the type of plastic or other other less harmful containers!. I called the man in charge of recycling in my town to see if more types of plastics could be recycled. He indicated that there was nothing he could do at this time but encouraging the companies to use other plastic might do some good as well as being more thoughtful in our consumption of products. The first idea got me thinking,
There is little I as one person can do to encourage companies to change their ways but a lot we as a community can do!
Everyone hear knows people beyond the KOS community and can spread the word.
Some of the problematic containers are for food items that are very popular.
Items such as butter, margerine, yougurt, cottage cheese, single serve jello & pudding, hummus etc - These items are all for the most part in No 5 plastic containers that in many places do not recycle and as I was told by the town recycling guide was not "economical" to recycle.
If we all could encourage these companies to use the 1 and 2 plastics that do recycle it would be a small step in producing less waste.
Right now for those who eat lots of yogurt and want a way to recycle those containers - there is a site that offers a cool solution
http://www.terracycle.net/
Most companies have customer numbers and address for feedback.
I will try and compile at list of such contacts:
I just called one of my favorite Humus makers # but one phone call will only do so much.
Please pass on this idea - The less we waste the healthier the earth - our only home will be.
PEACE!!!