![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/230404235801-e4fbfe5bc6ca96855913c1d468fedb3e/v1/f16c30dfea0fbc44e5a7d184290aed6a.jpeg?width=720&quality=85%2C50)
1 minute read
Eco Eve
Simple Tips for Home Recycling and Sustainability
Did you know cigarette butts contain microplastics, and disposable coffee cups are not recyclable? They are lined with plastic to make them waterproof.
Advertisement
Australians produce around 100 kg of plastic waste per person each year. Of this, only 13% of plastic is recovered, and 84% is sent to landfill.
Estimates of 130,000 tonnes of plastic leaking into the marine environment each year concern scientists at CSIRO. Seabirds are an excellent indicator of marine ecosystem health. By 2025, it is predicted 99% of seabirds worldwide will have ingested plastic. With up to 200 pieces of plastic found in a single seabird, the potential to affect marine biodiversity, especially penguins and albatrosses, is worrisome. Seek alternatives to plastics and make conscious purchasing choices.
What You Can Do
Re-useable bread bags and mesh bags to purchase fruit and vegetables
Purchase meat and deli items in containers brought from home
Beeswax wraps for leftovers and to cover food – even make your own!
Re-useable food covers or washable containers for leftovers
Use Green Carry bags
Use Keep cups for hot drinks
Look for products carrying the Australasian Recycling Label on the packaging
Purchase durable items that wear better and last longer
Participate in local Cleanups
AFTER 40 years in the Australian Second Hand Goods & Antique Industry, I have witnessed many incredible things, but the resurgence in the antiques and mid century items in the last two years has been unbelievable.
This resurgence has also created a major boom in the restoration of furniture into a more fashionable/modern