The recent removal of Skyline Waste’s recycling service from Munds Park has brought to light a major issue that affects us all: improper recycling. Shockingly, over 70% of Skyline’s customers in Munds Park were found to be improperly recycling, which resulted in entire hauls of recyclable materials being sent to landfills. Unfortunately, this is not unique to Skyline. All waste management services must take their recycle loads to the landfills when their hauls are contaminated with unrecyclable materials. Many people think their efforts are helping, when in reality, folks who don’t pay attention or care about the guidelines, undermine the efforts of those who recycle properly.
sustainable future, eco-friendly products
As we face the devastating consequences of pollution in our oceans and soil, it is important to take action and make a difference. Recycling is just one way to reduce waste if people do it right, but it is not enough. Instead, we need to focus on preventing waste in the first place.
If you share our concern for the environment and want to be part of the solution, we have some suggestions that can make a difference—more than recycling itself. Let’s work together to protect our planet, for ourselves, and future generations.
Purchase Wisely for a Sustainable Future
First and foremost, buy and use less! Buy only what you need and use all of what you buy. If you follow the guidelines below, you can feel good about your purchases!
Buy durable products: Choose high-quality, long-lasting items that can be repaired or repurposed, rather than disposable or cheaply-made products that quickly end up in landfills.
Choose reusable items: Opt for reusable products like cloth bags, refillable water bottles, and rechargeable batteries, which can significantly reduce waste.
Shop secondhand: Purchasing pre-owned items, such as clothing and furniture, from thrift stores or online marketplaces can save money and reduce waste, as these items might otherwise end up in landfills.
Avoid over-packaging: Choose products with minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled materials, and avoid single-use plastic packaging.
Support eco-friendly businesses: Patronize companies that prioritize sustainability, use recycled materials, and have transparent supply chains.
Buy in bulk: Purchase items in larger quantities or shop at bulk stores to reduce packaging waste. Be sure to store bulk items properly to prevent spoilage.
Purchase local and American-made products: Support local businesses, farmers’ markets, and American-made products, which often have a smaller footprint due to reduced transportation and can offer fresher, more eco-friendly products.
Plan your purchases: Create a shopping list and stick to it to avoid impulse buys, which often result in unnecessary waste.
Educate yourself: Stay informed about the environmental impacts of the products you consume and make informed decisions about what to buy and how to dispose of it responsibly.
With these simple steps, we can all make a difference in the fight against waste and pollution. Let’s do our part to contribute to a more sustainable future.
The Pinewood News will feature eco-friendly products for our readers’ consideration in future issues. Many companies are working on providing excellent products that are friendly to our land, and we will be happy to introduce you to them!