What Can I Do to Help the Circular Economy?
INDIVIDUALS:
-
When ordering take out, ask for them not to include disposable napkins, forks, knives or spoons. You can make this request over the phone or under “special requests” if ordering online.
-
Collect and recycle plastic films, like single use plastic bags or food wrapping. Many grocery stores have collection bins. Check here to find one near you: https://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org
-
Consider clothing that is made from sustainable fabrics and encourages recycling, such as 100% organic cotton. We like ForDays for zero-waste basics. www.fordays.com
-
Don’t throw away clothing! Even the most worn out clothing can be recycled. Go online to search for options that pick up from your front door or check out donation boxes around your town.
COMMUNITIES:
-
Encourage recycling in schools with signage and additional bins in the cafeterias, classrooms and playgrounds.
-
Work with local waste haulers to place recycling bins in public places where walking is popular in your town.
-
Use social media to promote new recycling initiatives.
-
Connect with your local high school’s Environmental Club. There isn’t one? Then find an industrious high school student or two that wants to start one, and help.
BUSINESSES:
-
Put a preference on purchasing recycled paper for printing, business cards and other printed materials.
-
Set a reasonable company wide goal to recycle XX lbs of cans and bottles per week and make it easy to do so by placing recyclable bins in convenient locations.
-
Rather than providing single use cups, plates or serveware to be used in the office, offer reusable mugs, plates, and glasses or encourage employees to bring their own.
-
Choose greener options, where available, when it comes to single-use items.
-
Polystyrene recycling varies from town to town. Check out where it can be recycled near you: https://www.recyclefoam.org/about-foam-recycling