Recycling is one part of sustainability we can all embrace, no matter who we are or where we live. By recycling, we’re not just reducing landfill but also creating a domestic supply of materials and limiting the environmental toll of raw material extraction. And when we shop smart by choosing products that are easier to recycle at the end of their life, we contribute to a more circular economy, where materials can be reused again and again.
In 2024, Australia is focusing on the Recycle Right initiative, emphasising the importance of clean, uncontaminated recycling. Why does this matter? The goal of recycling is to create new products from old materials, but if recycling is contaminated—say, by food or other waste—facilities often can’t use it, leading to even more landfill. Not ideal for our planet.
Additionally, by choosing items made of materials like glass, stainless steel, and organic cotton that can easily be recycled when their useful life is over. It’s an important way to minimise waste and lessen our environmental footprint.
Up to 25% of waste we currently send to landfill could actually be recycled! With the help of Tweed and Byron Shire Councils, we’ve created this handy list of recycling do’s and don’ts to guide us all toward better recycling habits.
Why We Use Durable Materials:
We consider the lifespan of every product we make, which is why we rely on materials like silicone, stainless steel, glass, and organic cotton. Here’s why these materials are our go-to choices:
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Silicone: Unlike single-use plastic, silicone is flexible, durable, and long-lasting. It’s heat-resistant, meaning it’s safe for food storage and reheating, and it doesn’t break down into microplastics. Using silicone in our products helps prevent waste and ensures they’re built to last.
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Stainless Steel: Known for its strength and recyclability, stainless steel withstands frequent use without degrading. Stainless steel allows us to create products that can endure years of wear and tear, minimising the need for replacements.
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Glass: Perfect for food storage, glass is endlessly recyclable without losing quality. We use glass for our jars and containers because it’s non-toxic and easily cleaned, making it a sustainable choice for anyone looking to avoid plastic in their kitchen.
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Organic Cotton: For items like produce bags and self care, organic cotton is a renewable, biodegradable material. By choosing organic, we avoid harmful pesticides and support more sustainable agricultural practices.
By designing products with durable materials, we’re aiming to keep our items in use for as long as possible, reducing the need for replacements and lowering waste.
Recycling Dos and Don’ts
To make the most of your recycling efforts, here are some quick tips for recycling right:
- Don’t recycle receipts; thermal paper can’t be recycled. Opt for e-receipts instead.
- Do rinse your containers before recycling. Clean recycling is more likely to get repurposed!
- Don’t put soft plastics in household recycling. Instead, take them to REDcycle bins at participating stores.
- Do check what your council can actually recycle. Not all recyclables are processed everywhere.
- Don’t add broken glass to your recycling bin; find a specific recycling point or disposal method.
- Do avoid excess plastic whenever possible. While recyclable, a 2024 report shows that 84% of Australia’s 2.5 million tonnes of plastic ends up in landfill.
- Do recycle items like paper, cardboard, and clean pizza boxes. For anything compostable, consider your home compost or council’s FOGO bin.
Recycling is a journey, but every small effort counts. Together, we can keep materials out of landfills, reduce pollution, and work toward a more sustainable future.
