Have you heard of the butterfly effect? This concept states that a small action can trigger big changes. The same goes for recycling: throwing a wrapper on the street or reusing a disposable item after a party can have a positive or negative impact on the environment.
Recycling at home can become an ecological butterfly effect, where small actions such as reducing, reusing, and recycling contribute to the preservation of the planet with minimal effort. The importance of this habit lies in the enormous amount of waste we generate daily. It is estimated that a person produces between 0.47 and 1 kilogram of garbage per day. In Guatemala, each inhabitant generates approximately 366.04 pounds of solid waste per year, which is equivalent to more than 6.795 billion pounds of waste nationwide. Therefore, reducing and recycling waste can reduce these statistics. Therefore, adopting sustainable habits at home, such as properly disposing of plastics, reusing materials, and reducing water waste, can make a huge difference to the health of the planet.
1. Separate waste: the first step to effective recycling
The first step to making changes at home and making recycling easier is to classify waste according to its origin: natural or industrial.
A simple way to differentiate them is to identify if they are:
- Organic: comes from plants, animals, or other living organisms.
- Inorganic: they are manufactured by humans in industrial processes.
This classification allows garbage to be divided into seven categories, which can be placed in different colored containers for proper management.
- Blue: plastic waste such as bottles, straws, or lids.
- Green: organic waste such as fruitvegetable, leaf, or food scraps.
- Celeste: reusable glass (unbreakable).
- Orange: Multi-layer packaging such as juice boxes, milk cartons, or food packaging.
- Black: non-recyclable inorganic waste.
- Yellow: paper and cardboard, ideal for reuse or crafts.
- Gray with bars: metals such as aluminum cans, screws, and metal tools.
This sorting will help prevent waste mixing, which will reduce environmental pollution and protect the lives of animals and people by preventing diseases caused by improper waste management.
2. Turn organic waste into fertilizer
Fruit, vegetable, and plant scraps can be transformed into an ideal natural fertilizer for gardens and lawns. Composting is a simple process that breaks down organic waste and releases essential nutrients into the soil. This process can be done in your backyard, using a suitable container to store the waste for up to 10 weeks. Once prepared, the compost will serve as fertilizer, helping to close the organic matter cycle by returning nutrients to the soil.
Steps to create natural compost
- Choose a container: It is recommended to use a compost bin or a recycled plastic or glass container with ventilation holes to allow heat to enter.
- Add waste: Fill the bin with fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, and dried leaves. (Avoid meat and liquid waste.)
- Control humidity: The mixture should be kept moist to facilitate composting, avoiding overfilling the container.
- Stir the compost: Stir the mixture every three days to speed up decomposition.
3. Recycle rainwater
A simple and effective way to recycle at home is to collect rainwater to water plants, wash your car, and even bathe your pets. Rainwater, coming from environmental humidity, can be used in various domestic activities and contributes to saving drinking water. To do this, simply fill buckets or install a water collection system on roofs and gutters. This reduces drinking water consumption and helps the planet by avoiding waste of this vital resource.
4. Reduce the use of disposable plastics
The use of disposable plastic utensils represents a significant challenge for the planet, as they can take between 75 and 500 years to decompose. Therefore, an effective way to help the environment is to reduce their consumption and opt for sustainable alternatives.
One option is to use biodegradable plastics, which accelerate the decomposition process. For example:
- A traditional disposable plate or cup takes approximately 75 years to degrade, while its biodegradable version decomposes in just a few months.
- A conventional plastic bottle can take 450 years to disintegrate, but a biodegradable one does so in just 6 years.
The best alternative is to use reusable glass, metal, or ceramic utensils, which only require washing before reuse, thus avoiding the generation of more plastic waste.
5. Plastic bags for recycled cloth bags
From home, you can reuse old or worn-out clothing to make reusable shopping bags, helping to reduce plastic use. Additionally, compartments can be added to these bags to better classify products and avoid using multiple bags when shopping.
6. Wash containers before disposing of them
Before disposing of yogurt containers, carbonated drink bottles, or eating utensils, it is essential to wash them properly and place them in the appropriate trash can.
While this action may seem unnecessary, it is a key step in the recycling process. By rinsing waste before disposal, you avoid:
- The proliferation of bacteria and pests in collection centers and landfills.
- The contamination of rivers, lakes, and oceans with toxic liquids and substances.
- It will prevent plastic waste from being recycled due to contamination with food scraps or other residue.
7. Recycle cardboard and paper: a simple way to take care of the planet
Recycling paper and cardboard is one of the most effective practices for reducing pollution and supporting environmental conservation. From home, we can contribute by separating these materials by thickness and size, making them easier to sort and process.
Steps to recycle paper and cardboard correctly
- Classify the materials: Separate the cardboard from the paper according to its type (thick cardboard, notebook paper, newspaper, etc.).
- Remove non-recyclable items: If the paper comes from notebooks, folders, or books, it’s important to remove any staples, clips, or adhesives that could affect the recycling process or harm those handling it.
- Reuse cardboard at home: It can be used for a variety of activities, such as crafts, organizers, or even to protect surfaces.
- Create your own recycled paper: An ecological and educational option is to make recycled paper at home, giving a second life to used sheets.
8. Recycling cooking oil: a way to protect water
Used cooking oil is one of the most harmful pollutants in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Pouring it into drains not only endangers the lives of marine species but can also affect the quality of drinking water in various areas. Therefore, one of the best options is to recycle the oil instead of disposing of it. It can be stored in empty bottles and taken to specialized recycling centers or used to create products such as soaps and biodiesel. For these uses, it is recommended to use used vegetable oil for frying. Before reusing it, it is essential to filter it to remove any residue or particles. The following video may help you learn how to soap from recycled oil.
9. Reuse containers and jars
Mothers are experts at reusing plastic containers, such as yogurt pots and takeout containers, giving them a second life and contributing to waste reduction. This habit represents a great sustainable contribution to caring for the planet. Reusing plastic containers, such as yogurt pots or takeout containers, is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and protect the environment. Giving them a second life not only reduces pollution but also encourages more responsible consumption.
Ideas for reusing containers and jars
- Plant pots: Ideal for growing herbs or small vegetables.
- Small wastebaskets: Perfect for desks, bathrooms, or bedrooms.
- Pet Food Storage: Keep your pet’s food organized and fresh.
- Homemade organizers: Store screws, buttons, or school supplies in recycled jars.
10. Donate clothes and toys
Donating is also a form of recycling. Giving your belongings a second life not only reduces waste but also helps those most in need. Places like homes, shelters, and support centers receive donations of toys, clothing, and furniture, helping to reduce their environmental impact and foster a more sustainable economy.
