Recycling: keep it up
and fine-tune
We recycle automatically, probably giving our action little thought. If we notice it at all, we might get a flash of satisfaction: we’re doing something right—avoiding the landfill, helping to reduce greenhouse gases, to keep our water and soil clean.
And we do make a difference. According to Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), we recycle nearly 40% of our garbage. Even better, we recycle close to home, reducing transportation costs, energy consumption, and emissions:
28% of our total recycling is done in Seattle (including 100% of our glass and metal).
38% is recycled in the Northwest or US (including 100% of our plastic, 75% of our cardboard, and 45% of our paper).
Only 34% is shipped to Asia (the rest of our paper and cardboard).
Here’s some good news: by paying closer attention to the containers we acquire when we shop, we can up our recycling game a bit more. Consider, for example …
Metal containers are lightweight and can be recycled again and again.
Glass containers are recyclable, and the process of transforming old glass containers for new uses is energy-efficient, according to the Viv Business Club. But glass is heavy, so recycling it can be less profitable for the utility if transportation distance is significant.
Plastic containers can be problematic. While many are recyclable, others might not be (single-serve yogurt containers, for example). Non-recyclable plastic containers must be removed during processing, an added expense, and end up in the landfill.
Buying foods in bulk, using our own containers, avoids buying anything to recycle in the first place. PCC and many other grocers provide shoppers this option. You might also want to check out Scoop Marketplace in Seattle, which specializes in this kind of shopping.
So, when our grocery stores offer packaging options, we can consciously choose metal or glass. We can choose to (re)use our own containers. And when it comes to plastic containers, SPU is clear: we can “Use Less Plastic (the Best Option for the Environment).”
Here’s a final request from SPU as we prepare containers for recycling: make sure they’re empty, clean, and dry. Food residue can produce mold; moisture can damage paper fiber. Materials thus contaminated either lose value or become unusable.
Here’s the bottom line: we’re already acting positively, AND we can fine-tune our recycling actions with purpose and awareness to do better. Reasons for hope!