Ways To Minimize Your Use Of Plastic

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Take a minute to think about all of the products and materials you come into contact with each day - which would you say you use the most? Paper? Plastic? Glass? While all three are likely a big part of your day, we bet plastic is one of the more popular - just think about how many water bottles you drink each day alone!

But since plastic consumption is something that environmental efforts are constantly trying to reduce, we want to encourage you to begin minimizing your use of it as well; here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Bring your own reusable bags when taking a trip to the grocery store. Although it can be convenient to use the bags provided when you check out, bringing your own is much healthier for the environment!
2. Keep a mug or reusable water bottle by your side to limit how many plastic beverages you reach for when you're thirsty. To further cut down on your plastic use, you might even consider purchasing a water filter for your home so that you don't have to stock your fridge with plastic products.
3. Avoid using plastic silverware at home, especially when you have guests over. Even though you might spend more time filling your dishwasher or cleaning the dishes by hand, it will be time well spent since it is a result of reducing plastic waste!
4. Buy things in boxes rather than bottles whenever possible. Why? Not only is cardboard easier to recycle, but the less bottles you buy, the less plastic that goes to waste!
5. Purchase a lunchbox to help with the transportation of food to and from work or school. With that in mind, make an effort to only pack items that don't use plastic packaging in there as well!

Although at first it might seem like plastic is unavoidable, the truth is that there are many alternatives that you can use each and every day. What steps will you take to reduce your plastic consumption?

Boro-Wide Recycling is a full service recycling and waste management provider. For more information on how we can help you with your recycling efforts, check us out at www.borowide.com or contact us at 718-416-1656.

A Guide To Recycling Codes: Plastics 1-3

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

 

If you've ever looked closely at a plastic container, you've probably noticed the recycling symbol along with a number and letter code located on its exterior. Although most people pay little attention to these codes, they are actually very important to recognize since they tell you a lot about the makeup of the container and its ability to be recycled in your local curbside program.

Are you familiar with each of the codes and which products they're associated with? If not, check out the first three below!

Number 1 Plastics: 

• PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)
• Found in soda bottles, water bottles, beer bottles, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter containers and oven-able food trays
• These plastics can be recycled through most curbside programs

Number 2 Plastics:

• HDPE (high density polyethylene)
• Found in milk jugs, juice bottles, bleach, detergent and household cleaner bottles, shampoo bottles, motor oil bottles, and butter and yogurt tubs
• These plastics can be recycled through most curbside programs

Number 3 Plastics:

• V (vinyl) or PVC
• Found in window cleaner bottles, cooking oil bottles, clear food packaging, medical equipment, siding and piping
• These plastics can rarely be recycled through curbside programs

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.

How Many Times Can Materials Be Recycled?

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

 

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Did you know that some materials are recycled infinitely? It’s true! Let’s take a look at some materials and how many times they can be recycled and reused.

Metal – Steel, aluminum and copper hold their properties no matter how many times they are melted down! A recycled aluminum can become a new can in as little as 2 months!

Glass – Glass can be recycled endlessly, as long as the colors get properly sorted!

Paper – Paper recycling involves turning the paper into fibers, so it can be remade back into paper. Each time paper goes through this process, the fibers get shorter. So, the shorter the fibers, the lower the quality of the paper. Paper can be recycled between five and seven times before the quality becomes too low to use.

Plastics – Most plastics can only make it through one successful recycling cycle. Most plastics that are recycled are used to become other products.

Read more of National Geographic's article here. Let us know on our Facebook page what you recycled this week!

Indonesian Zoo Loses A Giraffe Due To Garbage And Neglect.

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

At the Surabaya Zoo in Indonesia, a 30 year-old giraffe named “Kliwon” died due to 40lb. plastic ball that was trapped inside the animal’s stomach, an autopsy found (wasterecyclingnews.com). 

“This is extremely tragic, but of course by no means surprising in Indonesia’s zoos, given the appalling way they are managed on the whole,” reported Ian Singleton, a former zookeeper (wasterecyclingnews.com).  The tragic loss was by no means unexpected as the Surabaya Zoo was discovered to have been losing a handful of animals on a monthly basis, due to negligence and poor living habitation (wasterecyclingnews.com). 

To find out more about “Kliwon” and the Surabaya zoo, view the full article HERE. 

It’s important to clean and sanitize properly and Boro-Wide Recycling wants to do just that! Visit borowiderecycling.com to see what we do and become a fan of our Facebook page here.