Recycling - an omnipresent topic. Switzerland is also known as the "recycling world champion". But what do we actually recycle for and how do we recycle properly so that it actually fulfils its purpose?
Recycling - an omnipresent topic. Switzerland is also known as the "recycling world champion". But what do we actually recycle for and how do we recycle properly so that it actually fulfils its purpose?
Recycling, i.e. the reuse of materials that have been used and need to be disposed of, is now so familiar to us that "waste separation" has become second nature to many. But why is recycling so important? And: Is it enough to recycle waste? Which materials can be sensibly recycled, and which cannot?
Almost as important is the question of how recycling is handled on a larger scale. Can we trust the information provided by companies and their alleged recycling of materials? And what can and should we do ourselves?
You can't do without recycling. But recycling alone is not enough!
First of all, with the world's population growing and consuming more and more, recycling definitely makes sense. We have already written more than once on our blog about the value of the forest and the importance of preserving the forests of this earth, and NIKIN also plants a tree for every order. It makes sense that waste paper, cardboard and cartons should be recycled in order to protect the forest habitat from deforestation.
The good thing: paper consumption is declining in Europe. But it is still far from enough. We still use far too many disposable paper products, not all of which are recycled.
Should be recycled:
- Paper and cardboard
- Glass and tinplate
- Plastic and packaging
Recycling is good, doing without is better
It's a similar story with plastic. Plastic waste is a serious problem because plastic does not decompose. Instead, it is ground into finer and finer components. At some point it ends up as microplastic in the food chain - and also on our plates. In view of the flood of plastic waste, recycling of plastic is of course imperative. But it would be even more important to do without plastic as far as possible. There are always alternatives. Quite simply, replace plastic bags with cloth bags - always and as a matter of principle. And to stop using plastic products in the home and office. Disposable dishes and plastic forks don't have to be, there are inexpensive equivalents made of glass or porcelain - of course they have to be washed and can't simply be collected or thrown away after the children's birthday party or the party. But let's be honest, isn't the environment we leave our children worth a little effort?
Admittedly, it is sometimes a bit more of a hassle to look for drinks in returnable glass bottles than simply buying a PET bottle of Fanta or Coke. Nevertheless, they do exist - and the taste is better. Better, too, than tin cans, which are also recycled but are not really necessary.
Our proposal: one week waste reduced
We recommend simply living an experiment for a week: produce as little waste as possible, and then recycle it if possible. Waste glass and scrap metal are allowed, recycled paper at least for the toilet as well, plastic is a no-go! Where do we end up then?
If you want to eat a lot of fresh food, the best place to go without elaborate packaging and especially plastic is the market, not only for fruit and vegetables, but also for meat and fish. Here you may even be allowed to bring your own packaging materials and thus avoid packaging waste.
Throw away less, live better
The great and valuable thing about an experiment like this is that it opens our eyes to how much waste we accept cheaply every day. And of course you experience shopping, cooking and eating much more consciously if you do without pre-packaged food. That alone is enough to give it a try. But the biggest plus point is that you enjoy more - and with a clear conscience. And the little bit of waste that still accumulates? It can go into the compost!
