Recycling plastic can seem like a hassle. Collecting plastic and plastic bottles to take to a recycling center takes up space and time. However, space and time are two of the major concerns for plastic bottles in landfills: they take many years to biodegrade, release toxic chemicals into the environment as they do, and the millions of plastic bottles used take up a huge amount of space. Recycling plastic bottles is much safer and more environmentally sustainable.
Plastic Bottle Use
Americans use millions of plastic bottles each year, and most of them end up in landfills. Once there, these bottles use up space and cause serious environmental harm. Recycled bottles, however, can still be useful and very profitable for those who recycle them.
Once taken to recycling centers, plastic bottles can be broken down into a substance like yarn. This yarn can be made into carpets, tote bags and even wall coverings for room dividers and cubicles. Recycling bottles keeps them out of the ecosystem and makes them useful again. (Source: NPR)
How are Plastic Bottles Recycled?
Plastic bottles do not biodegrade easily. Their petroleum-based production makes them a very wasteful part of a throwaway culture, and the bottles themselves contain harmful chemicals that can be released into the atmosphere and the water supply. Although using and disposing of these bottles in the trash is simple, it is much more harmful in the long run.
Recycling plastic bottles can be a simple process of collecting the bottles used each week and taking them to a local recycling center. Some cities have recycling collections, so recyclable plastic, cardboard and glass can be put out with the trash and collected for a small fee.
What are the Benefits of Reusable Water Bottles?
Switching to reusable metal water bottles is a much more economical and environmentally friendly choice. Metal water bottles come in many styles, keep water fresh longer and can be reused indefinitely. Additionally, reusing plastic water bottles can cause them to leach toxins that can pose health threats.
The use of metal water bottles also saves consumers money in the long run. A one-time purchase can last for years, whereas plastic water bottles can cost several dollars for a single use.
Plastic Recycling for Kids
In addition to taking plastic water bottles to recycling centers and disposing of them there, plastic water bottles can be used around the house and reused as toys for kids. Plastic bottles can easily be transformed into small planters for starter gardens.
To make a planter, cut a plastic bottle in half. Recycle the top half, but keep the bottom. Poke small holes in the bottom part of the bottle to allow for drainage and put the bottle on a plate or saucer. Fill the plastic bottle about two-thirds fill with soil. Help kids place seeds into the bottle and cover them with dirt before adding water.
Remind kids to water their plastic planter each day. Eventually, small plants will begin to grow in the plastic bottle. Kids can grow flowers or vegetables in their little planters, and transfer the plants outside once they’re big enough. The plastic bottle bottom can then be recycled or used to grow another generation of plants.
Creative solutions to everyday problems can help people find ways to get involved with environmental sustainability – or go green – at home, with kids, in the office and as a society. Taking an environmental hazard like plastic bottle waste and turning it into useful products like tote bags and carpet is a great way to protect the environment and create jobs.
Bailey Shoemaker Richards - Bailey is a writer from Ohio. She is pursuing a creative writing degree at Ohio University, where she is currently a senior. Bailey ...
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