We live in a world that’s running out of resources, and the products we are producing to meet the ever-growing needs of consumers are frequently finding their way into natural habitats or ending up in landfills. To prevent this, we all need to recycle more, and new research by Magnet shows that more of us would do this if it was easier.
Re-using everything is currently pure fantasy. Although we as a species consider ourselves to be technologically advanced, we don’t yet have the capability to recycle everything and even if we did, it would only happen once it has been incredibly simple to do for the peoples of the world.
Metals, glass, paper, electronics, vegetables and fruits, garden waste, plastics and even cloth are some of the things that we are able to re-purpose, however, there’s even more that can be given a new life too than most people think.
New research from Magnet has revealed just how much recycling means to people in the UK, with over half (54%) of people saying that they recycle more now than they did two years ago. Despite this, 60% of us say we would recycle more than we currently do if the process were more straightforward, with many finding the idea of storing and sorting waste items for recycling off-putting.
Ahead of Global Recycling Day on 18th March, Magnet has shared with us some ways to make small, impactful changes in our kitchens to help encourage recycling in the home.
Think outside the cardboard box
When we think of items to recycle in the kitchen, containers such as milk cartons and food tins spring to mind. However, there is a whole lot more waste that comes from the kitchen that can be recycled.
Small amounts of cooking oil, fats, and plate scrapings of fatty foods can be added to your food waste recycling service (if you have one). These can even be processed into second-generation biodiesel. It’s always worth checking your local council website for the latest information on what you can recycle in your area.
Alternatively, consider donating unwanted pots and pans to a charity shop or local cause that may be in need of them to avoid sending them to landfills.
Consider compartmentalised bins
According to recent Google trends data, searches for ‘Recycle bins for kitchen’ have increased by more than 130% in the past year. Opting for a compartmentalised bin is a simple and efficient way to sort items as you go. In-cupboard bins are an excellent option for those wanting to keep rubbish out of sight and out of mind. Another benefit is that they require just going to the kitchen rather than walking through to another room such as a utility or garage.
Upcycle unused or unwanted items
Upcycling is a creative and innovative way to turn unused items into something new. There are many options within the kitchen, from creating table centrepieces using an old Kilner jar to repurposing food storage tins and containers to create decorative pieces such as candle holders.
Even furniture can be upcycled. If you have something from another room that you intend to throw away, why not give it a lick of paint and utilise it in the kitchen instead? There may be a misconception that upcycling can look shabby or homemade, but with some carefully considered design, an upcycling project can be impressive whilst helping the planet. Alongside being sustainable, you can also save a lot of money by avoiding buying new.
Design a new kitchen with recycling in mind
If a new kitchen is an option for you, consider adding recycling and eco-friendly solutions to your design. Incorporating pull-out or compartmentalised bins within your storage solutions will help make the process of recycling easier, whilst factoring in energy-saving appliances such as boiling water taps can also reduce your kitchen’s impact on the environment.
Opt for a kitchen that is built to last and made from high-quality, recycled materials – by investing in a better quality kitchen; it will have longevity over other, cheaper-made options.
If you want to improve the way you repurpose and are looking for ways to create an eco-friendly kitchen, Magnet is on hand to help you create an environmentally-friendly space that you love. Head to the website for further details on how to be more eco-friendly in the kitchen.
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