Make a small change Recycle in the kitchen
September 14th 2008 05:14
The Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP reported last year that the average City of Sydney household sends 10 kilograms of general waste to landfill each week and much of this material can be put to better use, re-used or recycled.
70 per cent of waste can be recovered and turned into resources, with recycled plastics turned into winter fleeces and aluminium cans used to build new aeroplanes.
Recycling and resource management also has a role to play in fighting climate change as it saves on energy consumption and reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released in the atmosphere.
Manufacturing aluminium from recycled materials uses 95 per cent less energy than what it takes to make the same amount from virgin materials. And if a tonne of organic waste is diverted from landfill, nearly a third of a tonne of greenhouse gas emissions is saved.
Recycling is a part of every Australian household. There are ways you can adapt your kitchen and other areas of the house to make recycling easier. If you are renovating your kitchen, consider integrating these ideas into the design.
Every kitchen has a garbage bin, so why not have a recycling bin and a compost bin. A designated area or cupboard can be taken up by waste, or consider attaching smaller bins to the side of a benchtop or cupboard door for easy access. Holes in the bench covered by lids can lead to garbage and recycling bins, and eliminate any aesthetic problems large plastic bins will create.
Compost is a great way to reduce the amount of food scraps in the garbage. A compost bin in the garden can turn food scraps into mulch. Paper and cardboard are needed in a compost bin also, so salvage the papers from the recycling bin and reuse them in the compost.
Designate a cupboard or shelf in the kitchen to store empty containers, jars and bottles. These can be reused to store leftovers or excess ingredients. Plastic bags can be reused also so dont throw them away. Not only will you help save the environment through reuse, you will also save money spent buying containers, bottles and plastic bags.
Reuse the water from your kitchen, laundry and bathroom on your garden. The water is known as grey water and can be filtered to be safe for watering the garden. This saves water and keeps the garden green during water restrictions. Grey water systems can be installed in the home, and vary depending on your home. There are many on the market so shop around and request some quotes before deciding.
| 36 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Add To: 
Subscribe to this blog
