People nowadays are becoming more and more conscious of the environmental hazards and are trying to reuse materials and recycle used items instead of throwing to the trash. If this attitude catches up in a big way, we would soon be rid of many threats to Mother Nature.

Some of the simple measures you can take on your part are as follows:

• Donate old plastic containers to appropriate places instead of throwing into the dustbin

• You can also donate some of these containers to animal shelters who would appreciate to use these containers to maintain the pets

• Avoid buying new containers from the market and try to reuse them

• While going for groceries, carry some plastic bags with you instead of using new ones until it is really necessary

• If you are running a business and want to buy plastic containers from a wholesaler, try to find a buyer, to whom you can sell your old ones even at a lower price

• Organize your merchandise well by giving it to charities than throwing them. Try to reuse them in fund raisers as lot of these containers would be required

• You can use it innovatively by making a gift box out of these containers rather than buying expensive wrappers or packaging with new materials or cardboard boxes. They would be easier to handle and do not get damaged easily

• Use these containers as far as possible to pack materials rather than throwing to the bin

• Use the old containers to reorganize your storage places like attic, garage or lofts

• Reuse these containers for craft works and use non-toxic art supplies. Some of the ideas include No-Bending-Required Door Stop, Ice Packs, Potpourri Holder, M&M lolly jar, Plastic Butterfly, Spray Pumps, Water balloon filler, Plant Waterer, Plant / Seed starter, Decorative Containers, savings box, doorstop

• Give the containers to your local recycling centre but check whether the container is safe to recycle. There is recycling code printed at the bottom of the container

• Follow the instructions given by the recycling centre before throwing the waste into the bins. You may have to remove labels and caps before putting into the bin. Some of them request you to clean or rinse the containers before putting in the bin. Hence, read the instructions carefully to ensure safe disposal

• You can recycle type 1 and 2 plastics which includes certain types of plastic bags, containers storing detergents, soft drink, cooking oil, juice, milk and water bottles

• Drop type 4 plastic at the nearest grocery store for recycling

• Type 6 plastic can be recycled too. Foam packaging materials fall into this category

• Crush plastic containers before throwing into the recycling bin to save storage space

• While donating the containers, clean it up ahead and remove as much dirt as possible from your side

• The recycling industry is still experimenting on reusing vegetable oil bottles, plastic food wrap, syrup bottles, bottle tops, yogurt containers, diapers and certain types of plastic bags which fall into type 3 or type 5

Jason Ladock

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