Everyday household items you didn’t know were recyclable

Recycling plays a vital role in being environmentally responsible. It helps us save natural resources, cut down on landfill waste and reduce pollution. While you probably make a point of sorting your cardboard, plastic bottles and glass jars, there’s a good chance you’re missing out on a surprising number of everyday items that can also be recycled. By broadening your recycling knowledge, you can really enhance your positive impact on the planet.

Let’s dive into some common household items that often end up in your general rubbish bags, and see how you can prepare them for a second chance at life.

Kitchen & pantry surprises

Your kitchen is a treasure trove of hidden recyclables. Beyond the obvious choices, there are several items that deserve a second look before you toss them in the bin.

Aluminium foil and aluminium trays

Many folks think that used aluminium foil or disposable baking trays are destined for the landfill. But here’s the good news – aluminium is infinitely recyclable, which means it can be reprocessed over and over without losing its original quality.

Why it’s recyclable

It’s pure aluminium, which is a valuable and a limited resource.

How to recycle

Make sure they’re clean and free from food residue. A quick rinse or wipe usually does the trick.
Crumple small pieces into a ball that’s at least the size of a golf ball (or bigger) – this helps them stay together during the sorting process at the recycling facility.
Flat sheets or large trays can be gently folded.

Aerosol cans (empty)

From hairspray and air fresheners to cooking spray, empty aerosol cans can often go right into your mixed recycling bin. Just remember, they need to be “empty.”

Why it’s recyclable

Most are made from valuable steel or aluminium.

How to recycle

Ensure the can is completely empty with no product left inside.
Don’t puncture, crush or take apart the can.
Leave the plastic cap on or remove it based on your local facility’s specific guidelines.

Plastic clamshell containers & clear plastic cups

You know those clear plastic containers that hold everything from berries to salads and even bakery goodies that you buy in the supermarket? And let’s not forget about those disposable clear plastic cups! They’re usually made from PET (#1) or PP (#5) plastic, both of which are fairly easy to recycle.

Why it’s recyclable

These containers are made from standard, easily identifiable plastic resins.

How to recycle:

Give them a good rinse to get rid of any food bits.
Look for a recycling symbol (#1 or #5) on the bottom.
If there’s a lid, check if it’s also recyclable and whether your local facility accepts lids (some prefer them off, while others don’t mind if they’re left on).

Drink cartons (milk, juice etc.)

These multi-layered containers, often called TetraPak, aseptic packaging or gable-top cartons, tend to fly under the radar. They’re made from a mix of paperboard, polyethylene plastic and sometimes a thin layer of aluminium to keep everything fresh and protected.

Why it’s recyclable

There are specialised facilities that can separate these layers into materials that can be reused.

How to recycle:

Make sure to empty the carton completely.
A quick rinse is usually a good idea to avoid any lingering odours or residue.
You can often flatten them to save some space in your recycling bin.

Bathroom & beyond

Your bathroom and other areas of your home also hold surprising recycling opportunities.

Empty plastic medicine bottles

Small, orange or clear plastic medicine bottles often bear recycling symbols (#1, #2 or #5). While their size can make them tricky, if they have the symbol, they’re typically accepted.

Why it’s recyclable

Made from common, recyclable plastics.

How to recycle:

Ensure the bottle is completely empty.
Remove the label if it contains personal information (or black out the info with a marker).
Check if your local facility prefers the cap on or off.

Plastic bottle caps

For a long time, many recycling programs instructed you to remove plastic bottle caps because they were made of a different type of plastic than the bottle itself, or were too small to be sorted. This is changing!

Why it’s recyclable

New technologies allow facilities to process mixed plastics and smaller items more efficiently.

How to recycle:

Always check your local guidelines! This is one of the most variable rules.
Many programs now prefer you to leave the cap on the bottle (empty and replace the cap) as it helps the cap travel through sorting with its larger counterpart.
If your facility still doesn’t accept them on the bottle, some specialised drop-off points or community programs may collect them separately.

Greeting cards (without embellishments)

Did you know that many greeting cards can be recycled? If they’re primarily paper and free of certain adornments, they can go into your paper recycling.

Why it’s recyclable

They are largely paper-based.

How to recycle

Avoid cards with glitter, metallic accents, ribbons, bows or electronic components (e.g., musical cards). These elements contaminate the paper recycling stream.
If only a small portion has non-recyclable parts, you can sometimes tear off the problematic section and recycle the rest.

General recycling reminders

As you discover more unexpected items that can be recycled, keep these handy tips in mind to make sure your efforts really pay off:

Always check local guidelines

Recycling rules can differ quite a bit from one place to another. What’s accepted in one town may not fly in another. Your best bet is to check your city, county or local authority waste management website for the most accurate info.

Rinse and empty

Leftover food and liquids can spoil an entire batch of recyclables, making them unusable. A quick rinse usually does the trick.

When in doubt, find out

If you’re not sure whether something can be recycled, take a moment to check your local waste management website or a trustworthy recycling resource instead of “wishcycling” (putting something in the bin, hoping it’s recyclable). If you can’t find an answer, it’s often safer to toss it into general rubbish than risk contaminating the recycling stream.

By becoming more aware of these surprisingly recyclable items, you’re empowering yourself to make a real impact. Every little bit helps, and by keeping more waste out of landfill, you’re playing a part in creating a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone. So, the next time you’re about to throw something away, take a moment to ask yourself: “Could this be recycled?” You may just be pleasantly surprised by the number of household items you didn’t know were recyclable!

Spring-clean your home naturally: Ditch the chemicals for a sparkling clean (and healthy!) home

At long last, spring is in the air! Birds are chirping, flowers are emerging and that nagging feeling to deep clean your home is probably kicking in. But before you reach for those harsh, chemical-laden cleaning products, consider a gentler, more eco-friendly approach. Natural cleaning products are not only better for the environment, but they’re often safer for your family and pets and can be just as effective!

Here’s how to spring-clean your home naturally using everyday ingredients you likely already have in your larder:

The powerhouse ingredients

White vinegar: A versatile disinfectant, deodoriser and degreaser.
Baking soda: A mild abrasive, deodoriser and all-around cleaner.
Lemon juice: A natural disinfectant, brightener and delightful scent booster.
Essential oils: Add fragrance and antimicrobial properties (lavender, tea tree, clary sage and eucalyptus are popular choices).
Olive oil: Excellent for polishing wood furniture.
Castile soap: A gentle, all-purpose cleanser.

Your natural spring-cleaning checklist

1. Kitchen sparkle

Worktops: Wipe down with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. For tougher stains, sprinkle baking soda and scrub gently.
Oven: Create a paste of baking soda and water, apply it inside the oven and let it sit overnight. The following day, scrub and wipe clean.
Microwave: Heat a cup of water with a few tablespoons of lemon juice for a few minutes. The steam will loosen grime for easy wiping.
Dishwasher: Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar in the top rack.
Sink: Sprinkle baking soda in the sink, scrub and rinse with vinegar, followed by hot water.

2. Bathroom bliss

Toilet: Pour a cup of white vinegar into the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing.
Shower & bath: Spray with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. For soap scum, create a paste of baking soda and water, apply and scrub.
Mirrors & glass: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use a microfibre cloth for streak-free cleaning.

3. Living room refresh

Dusting: Use a microfibre cloth dampened with water or a few drops of essential oil for dusting furniture.
Wood furniture: Polish with a solution of olive oil and lemon juice (a few drops of each mixed together).
Carpets & rugs: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and rugs, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum.

4. Bedroom renewal:

Mattress: Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress, let it sit for a few hours to absorb odours, then vacuum thoroughly.
Laundry: Use natural laundry detergent and fabric softener alternatives like vinegar or wool dryer balls.

Important tips & considerations

Test on an inconspicuous area: Before using any natural cleaning solution, test it on a small, hidden area to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface.
Proper ventilation: Always ensure adequate ventilation when cleaning, especially when using vinegar.
Storage: Store your homemade cleaning solutions in labelled spray bottles or containers.
DIY vs. shop-bought: You can create your own natural cleaning products or purchase pre-made options from reputable brands.

Benefits beyond clean

By choosing natural cleaning products, you’re not only making your home sparkle, you’re also:

Protecting your health: Reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.
Benefiting the environment: Using biodegradable and sustainable ingredients.
Saving money: Many natural cleaning ingredients are budget-friendly.

This spring, ditch the chemicals and embrace the power of nature to create a clean, healthy and vibrant home. Your family, your pets and the planet will thank you!

5 sustainable home upgrades you need to try today

Sustainable home upgrades are becoming increasingly common in the UK, Europe, the USA and beyond. Although the initial investment can put people off, costs have come down, and there’s potential for large long-term savings. From insulation to eco-friendly decorating, here are some ideas.

Septic tank installation

What can we really say about the septic tank? Well, they’re necessary, and they help with the plumbing flow. You know what they do! But what do they have to do with sustainability? The septic tank plays a more important role than you may think. They help protect marine life by filtering out harmful stuff before the effluent drains into rivers. This keeps aquatic wildlife safe, and you get peace of mind knowing you aren’t contributing to any extra water pollution.

Heating, draughts and insulation

Keeping the home warm is a burden for many people these days. With rising costs and winter setting in, it can feel impossible sometimes. However, you can make your home more sustainable by using less heating energy with some relatively minor changes. Thermostat control is a major one, having adequate insulation is another. Finally, use a lit candle to detect any draughts and seal up those annoying and expensive little gaps.

Renewable sustainable home upgrades

Renewable energy has become something of a buzzword. But it’s an important factor if you want to create a sustainable home. The costs vary, but there are a range of money-saving methods you can adopt.

Solar panels

Solar panels are cheaper than ever and can save up to 90% on your electricity bill when positioned correctly. There are also grants and funds available for their installation in the USA and the UK.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are an alternative to traditional radiators. They’re energy-efficient and contribute much less carbon to the environment than oil and gas boilers. Again, installation grants are available, however, not all properties are suitable for this option.

Biomass boilers

Biomass boilers are up to 90% more efficient than a gas boiler. They burn wood instead of gas, and can potentially save thousands per year. However, they do require more maintenance.

Most modern options are designed to reduce emissions. They can also save a bundle, despite the high initial installation costs. Many people are currently adopting a hybrid approach to these methods.

Eco-friendly decorating

Decorating the home is something many people do regularly. Of course, doing it isn’t exactly cheap these days. But it also isn’t very good for the environment either. So, how can you go about eco-friendly decorating? The first choice is to use paint made with non-volatile organic compounds (NVOCs). That’s a mouthful! NVOCs are much safer for you and the environment. Also, a ventilation system should be used to collect dust and particles for safe disposal.

Water and flow control

Alongside energy, water is one of the most wasted commodities. Most people don’t even think about water usage but given that there are billions who don’t have easy access to safe drinking water, it’s a privilege. Small things like taking shorter showers, filling the sink to the level you need and fixing dripping taps can all add up to making a big difference. You could also use low-flow devices like aerators to reduce the amount of water you use. These can be applied to the toilet, shower head and sink taps.

Summary

Installing a septic tank is one of the most useful sustainable home upgrades when it comes to helping the aquatic environment. You can also install renewable fuel devices such as biomass boilers. And it helps to reduce how much water your family uses with low-flow products.

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Eco-friendly Halloween: Sustainable décor ideas for a green celebration

Halloween is a time for spooky fun, costumes and candy, but it can also be a time for generating a lot of waste. Single-use plastic decorations, mass-produced costumes and excessive packaging can take a toll on the environment. But fear not, fellow spooky enthusiasts! You can still embrace the spirit of Halloween while keeping your celebration eco-friendly and sustainable.

This year, let’s ditch the disposable and embrace creativity with these sustainable, eco-friendly Halloween décor ideas.

1. Embrace the natural world

Autumn foliage: Leaves, branches and pumpkins are the perfect natural decorations for a spooky ambiance. Gather fallen leaves in vibrant hues and craft them into garlands or use them as table scatterings.
Pine cones and twigs: Create whimsical spider webs or miniature haunted forests using pine cones, twigs and branches.
Dried flowers and herbs: Dried herbs like lavender or rosemary can be incorporated into spooky wreaths or arrangements. Dried flowers in autumnal tones add a touch of ethereal beauty.

2. Repurpose and upcycle

DIY decorations: Get crafty and transform old jars, bottles and containers into spooky lanterns or candleholders. Paint them with eerie designs or fill them with fairy lights for a magical glow.
Fabric scraps and old clothes: Create ghostly figures, spiderwebs or Halloween banners using old fabric scraps and clothing. Sewing skills aren’t necessary – get creative with glue and scissors!
Cardboard and paper: Repurpose old cardboard boxes and paper into spooky decorations. Cut out silhouettes of bats, ghosts and pumpkins or create a haunted mansion backdrop.

3. Opt for sustainable materials

Reusable fabric bunting: Instead of flimsy plastic banners, opt for reusable fabric bunting that can be stored and used year after year.
Natural fibre decorations: Look for decorations made from natural fibres like jute, cotton or wood. These are biodegradable and more environmentally-friendly than plastic options.
LED lights: Swap traditional incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LED lights. They use less energy and last longer, reducing your carbon footprint.

4. Get creative with food and treats

Homemade treats: Skip the mass-produced candy and bake your own spooky treats using organic and locally-sourced or foraged ingredients.
Reusable food containers: Encourage guests to bring their own reusable food containers for trick-or-treating or party snacks.
Compostable packaging: If you do use packaging for treats, choose compostable or biodegradable options.

5. Spread the word

Educate others: Talk to friends and family about the importance of eco-friendly Halloween. Encourage them to adopt sustainable practices for their celebrations too.
Support local businesses: Seek out local businesses that offer sustainable Halloween decorations and products.

By adopting these eco-friendly practices, you can enjoy a spooky and fun Halloween while minimising your environmental impact. Let’s make this Halloween a celebration of both fun and sustainability, ensuring a happy and healthy future for generations to come!