Day 4 of 5 Day #noplasticchallenge #chennaicoastalcleanup (26-May-15)

#‎noplasticchallenge

Day 4: RECYCLE

Having done considerable recycle in the reduce stage of this challenge, I decided to collect useful information, references and links that will help me sustain post challenge. I’m sharing them below for your benefit as well.

Statistics of plastic footprint of 6 billion population was a mind-boggling 800,000+ tonnes and only 9% of Singapore’s plastic waste is recycled and what happened to the remaining 99%? Ended up mostly in landfills. Sad to know that we the Earth inhabitants produce 20 times more plastic than we did half a century ago 😦

The NEA site has some very useful information for the cause. Their Plastic Recycling Information Sheet, their list of products that can be recycled and the amazing list of local collectors, recyclers list and their contact details are great reference. I’m surprised at how much of efforts the country puts to facilitate better environmental awareness and responsibility.

I came across this very useful link that neatly sums up the harmful effects of reusing plastic for food and beverages besides endangering the environment in several ways that made me think that REDUCE is undoubtedly the best of the 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). Its wiser to avoid demons than handle them. LINK.

Also understood on why I should look out for the number indicated at the bottom of plastic containers. Ranging from 1-7 in the middle of a triangle, this number indicates whether the plastic is recyclable or not and here is the explanation for that. LINK.

A very interesting point that got me thinking was to transfer the burden of recycling heavy plastic/non recyclable plastic to the manufacturers. Well, I wonder how! Does anyone have a comment on that?

From today, I will keep a separate bin at home for plastic waste and make use of the recycle bins just below my block for responsible plastic disposal. Yes, its not as convenient as sending them down the chute but I’m sure it will be worth the efforts. While disposing, if I take a moment to check in which bin the waste should go, I think the rest is easy.