Recycle and reuse household waste

How to recycle my waste?

 

• Glass bottles and jars, cans, cardboard and paper can all be recycled.
• Paper recycling should include all the items we use such as envelopes, invoices, faxes, junk mail, magazines, telephone books and catalogues.
• Packaging materials such as cardboard, chipboard, bags, plastics can be recycled.
• Recycle office cleaning products, where possible.
• Recycle food/drink containers. 

How to reuse my waste?

 

• Print draft documents on old and less used papers on the back of printed papers.
• Prepare memo pads out of scrap papers.
• Reuse inter-office envelopes, file folders and boxes.
• Go for reusable mailing pouches.
• Shredded newspaper / paper for packaging can be reused.
• If your furniture is old, repair them or give them in charity.
• You can give away your old magazines to libraries, hospitals or nursing homes.
• Use reusable memo boards for messages.
• Refill laser printer, copier and fax toner cartridges.
• Reuse ring binders, paper clips, rubber bands.
• Avoid polystyrene or plastic cups. Use ceramic or clay mugs.
• Reuse incoming boxes for outgoing deliveries. 

How to reduce my waste?

• Save paper by printing office reports, memos, internal manuals etc on both sides.
• Don’t make multiple copies of letters/memos. Instead make one copy and maintain a central file.
• Send more emails to save paper.
• As far as possible replace paper files and store data on computer networks or on disk.
• Avoid wastage by carefully checking all documents on the screen before printing.
• Update your mailing lists to avoid duplication, waste and added costs.
• Prevent junk-mailing.
• Order supplies in bulk.
• Don't use bin liners in bins collecting dry waste.
• Purchase equipment which are durable.
• Replace paper towels with washable towels or hand-dryers.
• Use rechargeable batteries.  

Recycling Toilet Papers

Toilet paper can also be recycled, but it has to be unbleached because the deadly dioxins caused by chlorine bleaching bring about untold harm to marine creatures and pollute our waterways. These dioxins enter our food chain through the marine animals that we eat, eventually reaching little babies through the breast-milk from nursing mothers. Artificial fragrances used in such papers too can severely damage health, as the chemicals used in them cause allergies among young children and babies or those who have a family history of allergies or asthma. Try and use environmentally-friendly brands of disposable nappies and avoid chlorine-bleached ones.