Feature image courtesy of http://www.wheniscalendars.com/

We are all familiar with the 3 R’s of recycling; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.  So, how does that apply to us today and plastic??  Plastics are everywhere, they are used in almost every package imaginable and most of the time tossed into the trash.  Recycling plastics is gaining momentum and I earnestly hope that this Earth Day, we all can try to make a difference by recycling all of our plastics.  Let’s look at the 3 R’s and what they mean for plastic.

REDUCE.  There is a huge movement on reducing the use of plastic everywhere.  Grocery stores are stopping the use of plastic bags (or you have to purchase them for use), and theme parks and zoos are stopping the use of plastic lids on their soft drinks.  What are some ways we can reduce?  Use reusable containers for lunches and leftovers, stop using plastic drinking straws and invest in some reusable grocery bags (remember to wash them often to keep them clean).  FACT: it takes 1, 000 years for a single plastic grocery bag to degrade.

REUSE.  There are great companies our there that are making their products by using recycled plastics to help reduce plastic waste.  Green Toys is a great company that makes their toys from 100% recycled materials, including plastic.  Re-Play is another company that makes children’s plates, bowls, utensils, and cups are made out of recycled HDPE plastic, which is basically milk jugs.  Both companies are a huge favorite in the earnest household, not only made from recycled plastic but they can be recycled again themselves.  We love this sustainable effort so much, earnest mom is giving away a set from Re-Play so be sure to enter at the link below.  In our own homes, there are many uses for plastic containers we have.  Reuse cleaner bottles bu purchasing refills and concentrates to allow one bottle to get numerous uses, and even get crafty with those water bottles by making planters and much more (head over to Pinterest if you need inspiration).

RECYCLE.  Okay, how do we recycle?  Most municipalities do not make you sort your recyclables but always be sure to check before recycling so it does not get left on the curb. Know your numbers.  There are coded numbers on the bottom of all plastics, this is for a reason.  Some plastics are only safe for one time use for consumers, and some are the plastics that should be avoided.  Some need to be recycled, and some cannot or will not be.  The number code 3 will not be picked up curbside and rarely is recycled, 6 and 7 are rarely allowed curbside.  These plastics are also the plastic that have higher toxin ratings are the ones that are best avoided if possible.  Number 1 is considered safe and recyclable as it is picked up curbside, however it is listed among ones that should be avoided as well.  Numbers 2, 4 and 5 as they are considered the safest and are 100% recyclable, most curbside programs now pick them up.  For more information on plastics, how to recycle them and which ones to avoid use the links provided below.

As far as consumption and production goes, it looks as though plastics will still be a large source of packaging and other uses for companies.  Let’s work together this Earth Day and start using the 3 R’s in our lives, especially where plastics are concerned.  Now, the giveaway – in celebration of Earth Day and the reuse of plastics, earnest mom is giving away a free Solid Set from Re-Play in aqua.  The set includes:

1 Spoons and 1 Fork, 1 Divided Plate, 1 Bowl,
1 Drinking Cup, 1 Spill Proof Cup and 1 Snack Pod.

Good luck!  Happy Earth Day from the whole earnest family!

Enter giveaway here:a Rafflecopter giveaway  Giveaway open to both residents of US and Canada, entries must be received by 11:59 pm April 24, 2016.

x.  em.

Helpful links on plastics:

http://naturalsociety.com/recycling-symbols-numbers-plastic-bottles-meaning/

http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/nationalgreenweeksub/waste-reduction-tips/tips-to-use-less-plastic.html

http://www.healthychild.org/know-your-plastics/