WOW, one year has quickly gone past. Here we are once again, celebrating an entire week of recycling, applauding what we already do right and sorting out what we can all do better. Once a year we highlight National Recycling Week, to talk about the issue with intensity which in turn raises awareness. Happily there are clear signs that the response is positive as we all become more aware of re-using, re-purposing and properly disposing of our rubbish. But, this year National Recycling Week is focussing on where it all starts: What We Buy.
Yes, we should all be better informed and purchase sensibly, and as we hear so much about recycling and repurposing, we all believe to be more or less knowledgeable about it. BUT Are we aware that as consumers we have the power to effect the market, influencing what is made and then offered for us to buy?
YES! We all can choose to buy right in the first place! Now try your knowledge with the quiz by clicking below. I did this myself and in the process I learned a few more things SO, GIVE IT A GO! Test yourself and get a chance to win 1 of 10 Plastic Free Starter Kits worth $84 thanks to Biome Eco Stores.
One other benefit of helping the environment is the money we save. Yes, the increase in price that it cost you to buy a better quality piece of furniture, for example, is less than what it would cost for you to buy another piece to replace the one that didn't survive the test of quality. I find it so sad to see our streets lined up with cheap furniture awaiting the council collection. Could that furniture be used again? Could it be up-cycled or repurposed? Well, if made of solid, quality materials such as wood, most probably these items wouldn't be in the rubbish pile at all. That's why it's very important that we buy sensibly.
You see, when it comes to contributing to a better environment, resulting in a better tomorrow, we don't really have a choice anymore. It's a duty that we all should take seriously. Anything we do is important, as little as our actions may be; it all counts, and we must all contribute, starting now.
It's also essential that we set a good example for our children to follow as it is their future we are gambling with. PlanetArk's mission is to help protect the environment by raising public awareness. Loads of information is available and all of it free on the website, presented in a clear and easy to learn way for adults and children, for home, work and school. This year's campaign is called "What Goes Around..." and here is the link to the information all of us should be aware of.
Please help to spread this vital information to your friends, family and work colleagues, as ultimately it's Awareness that helps make a HUGE difference.
Happy National Recycling Week :)
Quick tips:
Buy items made of renewable or recycled material.
Be curious and inform yourself.
Do not throw away what can be used again.
Repurpose what you can and get creative
Sell or give as gift what you don't want or need.
Dispose of items appropriately if throwing away is the only option left.
Watch the video below
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information.
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