For several decades, packaging on plastic bottles and containers of various types and sizes has been labeled with a triangle surrounding a number. That number — one through seven — was supposed to help consumers determine what to do with that bottle or container when they were done with the contents. While it sounds easy, this method didn’t always work for consumers, who often felt confused about what was recyclable and what wasn’t.     Hi-Cone, a global supplier of ring carrier multi-packaging systems for the beer and non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverage markets, surveyed 5,500 adult consumers across four markets — Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, and United States — and found that 91% of consumers believe that recycling plastic is beneficial yet 69% said they weren’t recycling enough. The majority of adults (80%) who do not currently recycle all of their plastic waste reported that they would recycle plastic more frequently if they had more facilities and/or guidance, with 60% of adults agreeing that they do not know how to recycle some types of plastic packaging.   Another problem that Hi-Cone uncovered was the uncertainty among consumers over which packaging material is better for the environment: 18% of adults reported being unsure if non-plastic packaging, such as cardboard, glass, and cans, is better for the environment than plastic packaging; 36% said they were unsure if it takes more energy and natural resources to recycle plastic than paper; and 30% reported being unsure if using a small amount of plastic packaging can be better for the environment than a large amount of a different packaging material, such as cardboard.   In other words, consumer education is critical to the success of recycling. Consumers want good information when it comes to what and how to recycle. It’s up to the plastics industry — trade organizations, producers, and processors — to provide that education. Instead, many consumers are being eco-shamed into rejecting plastic packaging, such as retail bags and take-out containers, without knowing what alternatives are any better.   Unfortunately, many consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies respond by making promises of greater recyclability, biodegradability, or compostability. They put labels on the bottles or containers that indicate one of those three end-of-life possibilities, when many of these claims turn out to be nothing more than virtue-signaling with the intent of making consumers have a “feel-good” experience.   Hi-Cone Vice President and General Manager Shawn Welch acknowledged the challenges the packaging industry faces as sustainability has become a major focus in recent years. “There is a great need to create a more transparent process and clear guidance for consumers when it comes to the development of a circular economy and better recycling practices. Only by understanding consumer beliefs, national programs and global goals, can the industry make real progress in sustainability.”   More and more industry trade associations in North America and Europe are calling for CPGs to get real when it comes to making claims about their packaging. Part of that must include truth in labeling. For example, don’t say that your plastic packaging is compostable if you know there are few or no commercial composting facilities that will accept that package. I’m not sure that even saying it’s “compostable wherever there is a commercial composting facility that will accept this package” is enough to justify using the word compostable on the package.   As for the term “biodegradable” (which is not permitted in California), most consumers have this visual of a plastic water bottle or container that can be tossed out of the car window onto the side of the road disappearing in a few weeks. Again, that is misleading to the consumer.   Hi-Cone has been making strides in its own sustainability journey, the company pointed out, including the formation of several cross-industry partnerships, such as TerraCycle in the UK, and the launch of their 50%+ post-consumer recycled content product, RingCycles, which reduces the company’s use of virgin plastic by half. The company’s goal is to educate consumers on how to reduce plastic consumption and how to recycle in a circular economy, an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources.   “Open communication between the industry and the public will help prevent further environmental risk down the road by stopping the current trend of solving one problem and replacing it with an even bigger one,” said Welch. A recent Green Alliance report warned of the potential environmental risks of banning plastic packaging in favor of other materials that have larger carbon footprints and, therefore, can be seen as detrimental to the environment. “Better communication will help us find a real solution,” added Welch.  

The average American produces 4.51 pounds of trash per day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — and only 35% of that waste gets recycled or composted. That's nearly 140 million tons of waste going to landfills every year! While most of us know to put our cans and bottles in the blue bins for recycling, disposal can get a little trickier when it comes to other items such as appliances, electronics, and old medications — which is why, when you're getting to work on some spring cleaning, it's so important to know how to dispose of these items properly.   Of course, before throwing something away for good, a solid first step is to always donate items (in good, working condition) to nonprofits and charities like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, or local charities; or list them on Craigslist, eBay, or even Facebook. But if it's time your items really hit the curb, it's important to know how to dispose of everything in an environmentally friendly way; after all, even a tiny bit goes a long way when it comes to being green. So if you're wondering what exactly to do with those old batteries or outdated electronics you find as you're cleaning out your house this year, here's a handy A–Z guide on everything you can responsibly dispose of:  

Batteries

  Batteries of all types can be recycled. According to Duracell, regular single-use alkaline batteries (such as ones that power our remotes) can safely go in the trash everywhere except California; however, a more eco-friendly way of disposal is to recycle them at community programs, workplaces, or nearby recycling centers that accept them.   Rechargeable batteries (such as ones in cellphones and other electronics), however, should not be thrown out in the trash and should be recycled, as they may contain hazardous chemicals. To find a nearby recycling site for all types of batteries, be sure to check Call2Recycle and Earth911.com — and before you recycle them, make sure to place non-conductive clear tape over the ends or the terminals of the battery to ensure safe recycling.  

Books

  If you're trying to get rid of some unwanted books, first consider donating them — many charities, libraries, schools, and even prisons and shelters accept donations for used books year-round. Some great organizations — many of which have nationwide drop off locations — include Better World Books, Books For Soldiers, and Books For Africa (as well as secondhand stores like Goodwill or The Salvation Army). Of course, you can also try selling them on sites like Amazon or BookScouter, especially if you have textbooks.   If your books are battered beyond hope, however, sometimes they can be recycled. According to Earth911.com, you can recycle the entire book if it's a paperback, but if you're trying to dispose of a hardcover book, you'll need to remove the cover binding before recycling them. And remember that if your book has gotten wet (or if the papers have turned tan or brown), they should actually be thrown away with your regular trash instead, as this unfortunately makes the material non-recyclable.    

Cleaning Products

  The best way to dispose of cleaning products is to use them! If that's out of the question, it's important to read the labels to figure out the right way to toss them — so be sure to check the bottle's instructions on proper disposal. Hint: In most cases, water-soluble products (like bleach) can be flushed down the drain or toilet with running water, and solid cleaning products like bar soaps and scouring pads can go in the trash. And of course, in recycling the bottles for any cleaning products that can be disposed down the train, be sure to empty all of the unused product and give it a rinse or two before tossing it in the recycling bin.  

Coffee Pods

  If you love using your single-serve machine, you can take steps to eliminate the environmental impact. Nespresso offers capsule recycling at more than 122,000 places around the world. Visit any Nespresso boutique or partner store (including Sur La Table and Williams-Sonoma) or pick up a free pod-recycling bag online that comes with a prepaid UPS shipping label.   For K-Cups, some varieties (including the Green Mountain kind) can get recycled, though the company is starting to transition into having all of their pods be recyclable by the end of 2020. Check for a #5 recycling sign on the bottom first, before removing the foil lid and throwing that out along with the grounds (though the filter can remain). Then, recycle the empty cup — though be sure to check locally first, as K-cup pods are not yet recyclable in all communities.    

Electronics

• ·        

• Cell Phones: Before getting rid of your old cell phone, first delete all of your personal information using a factory or hard reset option. (Check the manufacturer's website for info on how). You'll also want to remove or erase the SIM or SD card. Then you can trade in, donate, or recycle your device — usually right at the store. For example, AT&T runs the charity Cell Phones for Soldiers that donates devices to troops overseas. You can also look for e-cycling locations in your area using this database, including private recyclers, nonprofits, and other programs.
• TVs: Don't toss your old TV or monitor in the trash! Some old sets contain toxic materials like lead and count as hazardous waste. Best Buy, LG, Vizio, Samsung, and Sony all offer TV recycling programs (either in-store, event, drop-off site, and haul away options). You can also try contacting your local sanitation department for guidance.
• Laptops and Computers: Check out Dell Reconnect, World Computer Exchange, and eBay for Charity if you're interested in donating your device. Similar to TVs, you'll want to recycle these responsibly, so get in touch with the manufacturer or retailer to see if they'll help out.

Eyeglasses

  Before tossing your old, outdated eyeglasses, first consider donating them to organizations such as OneSight, Lion's Club, or New Eyes, which take old glasses to distribute them to those in need. As glasses can be made up of several different materials, they are a bit challenging to recycle — so donation might actually be your best (and most sustainable) bet. If you do have to dispose of them, however, make sure to separate the lenses from the frames. If your frames are made of aluminum, you may be able to pull them apart (and place them within a larger aluminum container) for curbside recycling. Of course, make sure to double check first by contacting your recycling center or local council.      

Household Appliances

 

• Washers and Dryers: If they're still in good working order, donate them to a shelter or home that would likely benefit. If you're buying new laundry appliances, ask the manufacturer whether they're certified to recycle your old ones. If all else fails, call your local waste management office to see whether you can leave them on the curb, or check out Earth911.com for more options.

 

• Refrigerators and Freezers: Leave the disposal of these hefty appliances to the professionals. Contact your local department of public works to schedule the removal, or use this EPA Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) page to find a partner program near you. The costs for this service will vary. According to the EPA, removal can cost anywhere from $10 to $50, but you may receive a rebate for disposing of your appliance responsibly. Score!

 

• Microwaves: Some municipalities let you recycle broken microwaves as scrap metal. (Electronics recyclers will do the same for a small fee.) You could also bring it to a bulk items or appliance recycling day hosted by local authorities.

Kitchenware

  If you're looking to toss out your old pots and pans and other cookware, consider donating them to secondhand stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army, or even listing them on websites like Craigslist to find them a second home. For kitchenware that's now unusable, however, recycling is an option; in fact, you might be able to recycle your metal pots and pans with curbside recycling if your program accepts "scrap metal." However, most curbside recycling programs won't accept these items, so you should try to find a scrap metal recycler near you to dispose of them properly.   As for kitchen utensils, those made from metal will have the same recycling options as metal cookware, but if your flatware is made from plastic, it's important to know what type of resin they're made of in order to determine their recyclability. Wood spoons and other wooden flatware, however, can usually be composted with your organic waste.    

Light Bulbs

  Some states and jurisdictions may actually require recycling light bulbs, so check your local laws before tossing these in the trash. As bulbs often break when they're thrown away, they can release mercury into the environment. Try Earth911.com for info on how to safely get rid of these (plus other hazards, like paint and pesticides) near you.  

Mattresses

  Some cities will collect your mattress if you put it out (sealed in a plastic bag to prevent bedbugs) with your regular garbage for bulk collection. If you're planning on buying a new mattress, many retailers will also haul the old one away for you.   If it's gently used and in good condition, you could try donating it to a nonprofit (like Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, or a local homeless shelter). Just double-check that health department regulations in your area allow it. If not, try the site Bye-Bye Mattress to find a recycling center near you or hire a removal service like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? to do the dirty work for you.    

Medications

  It's important to dispose of expired or unused medication as soon as possible to prevent others from accidentally taking or intentionally misusing them. To dispose of them safely, use this DEA Diversion Control Division search engine to find a certified disposal site near you (including some pharmacies). Your local law enforcement agency may also host periodic collection days.   If you can't find one, you can also dispose of some medications in the trash following this FDA-suggested method:  

1. Mix the medicines (do not crush) with an unpalatable substance like dirt, cat litter, or old coffee grounds.
2. Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag.
3. Throw the bag in the trash.

  1.     Scratch or black out all personal information on empty pill bottles or packaging before throwing them away. 2. Note: The FDA recommends flushing a few specific medicines down the toilet when a take-back option is not available due to the potentially fatal risk of someone taking them accidentally. These include hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin) and Oxycodone, and a few others. You can see the full list here or check the label for specific disposal instructions.  

Water Filters

  Many household water filters can be recycled through recycling programs from the manufacturer or retailer. Brita encourages their filters to be sent to their recycling program with TerraCycle — just collect your used filters (after drying them out for three days) as well as Brita pitchers and bottles in a garbage bag, box it up, and then drop it off at a UPS location after filling out a mailing form on the Brita website to get a prepaid shipping label. By doing so, you can even earn Brita points to be redeemed for exclusive rewards!   For other water filter brands, you can contact the manufacturer to find out if they offer a recycling program, or use the Zero Waste Box program from TerraCycle that will safely recycle all of your water filters (as well as air filters) for you — though you'll have to purchase a box to ship out to their program.

Serum, blush, hair mask: when the time comes to get new beauty products, you always know where to go. But when they are finished, do we really know how to dispose of them? Each year, the cosmetic industry produces 120 billion packaging units, of which 2.7 billion plastic containers end up in landfills. "The complex design of beauty products makes them difficult to recycle," says Alex Payne, public relations manager for TerraCycle. This is why the environmental organization has been collaborating with many beauty brands - including L'Occitane en Provence, Burt's Bees, Weleda and DECIEM - for ten years to facilitate the recovery of these particular products, through various programs. collection. "Depending on the brand, consumers can send their cosmetics by post free of charge or go and wear them in stores," he explains. TerraCycle does the rest. Whether we go through this type of program or through its municipal recycling system, the goal of our consumption is to understand what is recycled (or not) and how we can get there. From the actions to adopt to reduce our environmental footprint to the list of companies that advocate a zero waste philosophy, there is indeed green at the end of the tunnel.

4 actions to adopt for an eco-responsible beauty routine

1. Look for zero waste products. From conditioner to facial scrub, more and more personal care is offered without packaging. 2. Small containers = perfect for the plane! Is our eye cream finished? We collect the jar and fill it with our favorite moisturizer on our next trip: it will fit perfectly in our hand luggage! 3. Avoid single-use products. Although practical, they are a real scourge for the environment. We swap our disposable makeup remover pads for a machine washable set. We leave the masks in individual format and choose the good old version in a jar (preferably in glass). 4. Favor large formats and bulk products. It is a gesture not only economical, but which considerably reduces our plastic consumption.

Recyclage 101: which product goes where?

These major lines are memorized to transform the once tedious recycling chore into child's play. Please note: the packaging of beauty products that cannot be recycled in our municipality can often be recycled through TerraCycle. We go to his site ( terracycle.com ) to get the correct time. Plastic bottles "All plastics are recyclable, except those on which the number 6 is stamped [figure found in a small triangle under the packaging] and on which there is nothing indicated", underlines Jean-François Lesage , planning advisor in the Direction of residual materials management of the City of Montreal. He reminded us that we have to clean our containers for hygienic reasons before sending them to sorting centers. Pumps and pipettes They do not recycle. So, if one of our products has one of these tips, we unscrew it and dispose of it before putting the container for recycling! Makeup As the cases of our cosmetics are often made of several materials that are difficult to separate from each other, they generally do not recycle. "Laminated tubes [a type of flexible plastic packaging often used for foundations and make-up bases] are also not accepted," says Jean-François Lesage. Mascara The tube, too difficult to clean, does not recycle. The brush is washed in soapy water and sent to the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ( appalachianwild.org ), an organization in North Carolina that uses it to clean the fur of small, vulnerable animals. . Aerosols As a safety issue, they cannot be recycled through the usual municipal recycling system. "Aerosols and pressurized containers can explode if they are heated or punctured," says our expert. We do not despair! They are accepted in eco-centers and when collecting hazardous household waste. Makeup brushes Like makeup cases, brushes do not mix with recycling because of the range of materials that make them up (plastic, metal, bristles, etc.). Before saying goodbye to them, we probe our surroundings to find out if a friend might need them, or we give them a second life by adding them to the children's artist's kit or using them as nail brushes, for example! Glass containers "Glass is fully recyclable and can be repeatedly collected without ever affecting its quality," said Alex Payne of TerraCycle. It makes it one of the most eco-friendly materials. ” Warning! In the case of a perfume, we make sure to separate the bottle from its atomizer, since the latter does not recycle. Nail polish As the containers are almost impossible to clean, they cannot be recycled directly - they are part of the category of household hazardous waste (HHW). So we bring them to the ecocentre nearest to us. Cleansing wipes Unless they are biodegradable - we could then compost them - they take the garbage path.

"Pamper the next one"

If for various reasons (an impulse purchase, perhaps?) Unused products clutter our pharmacy, we turn to organizations for women in need. We think in particular of the Fairies Marraines ( feesmarraines.ca ), which give the necessary to the teenagers coming from underprivileged environments so that they can be beautiful for their prom, or The stuff of success ( dressforsuccessmontreal.org ), which supports women in difficult situations who wish to (re) enter the labor market.

An app to facilitate recycling

Last spring, the company RECYC-QUÉBEC launched the application C'est va Où? The objective: to clarify, according to our municipality, which products are intended for the trash, the recycling bin or the eco-center. The information remains summary, so if question marks persist, we complete our search on recyc-quebec.gouv.qc.ca. The article 4 gestures to adopt for a responsible beauty routine appeared first on Elle Quebec .

Serum, blush, hair mask: when the time comes to get new beauty products, you always know where to go. But when they are finished, do we really know how to dispose of them? Each year, the cosmetic industry produces 120 billion packaging units, of which 2.7 billion plastic containers end up in landfills. "The complex design of beauty products makes them difficult to recycle," says Alex Payne, public relations manager for TerraCycle. This is why the environmental organization has been collaborating with many beauty brands - including L'Occitane en Provence, Burt's Bees, Weleda and DECIEM - for ten years to facilitate the recovery of these particular products, through various programs. collection. "Depending on the brand, consumers can send their cosmetics by post free of charge or go and wear them in stores," he explains. TerraCycle does the rest. Whether we go through this type of program or through its municipal recycling system, the goal of our consumption is to understand what is recycled (or not) and how we can get there. From the actions to adopt to reduce our environmental footprint to the list of companies that advocate a zero waste philosophy, there is indeed green at the end of the tunnel.

4 actions to adopt for an eco-responsible beauty routine

1. Look for zero waste products. From conditioner to facial scrub, more and more personal care is offered without packaging. 2. Small containers = perfect for the plane! Is our eye cream finished? We collect the jar and fill it with our favorite moisturizer on our next trip: it will fit perfectly in our hand luggage! 3. Avoid single-use products. Although practical, they are a real scourge for the environment. We swap our disposable makeup remover pads for a machine washable set. We leave the masks in individual format and choose the good old version in a jar (preferably in glass). 4. Favor large formats and bulk products. It is a gesture not only economical, but which considerably reduces our plastic consumption.

Recyclage 101: which product goes where?

These major lines are memorized to transform the once tedious recycling chore into child's play. Please note: the packaging of beauty products that cannot be recycled in our municipality can often be recycled through TerraCycle. We go to his site ( terracycle.com ) to get the correct time. Plastic bottles "All plastics are recyclable, except those on which the number 6 is stamped [figure found in a small triangle under the packaging] and on which there is nothing indicated", underlines Jean-François Lesage , planning advisor in the Direction of residual materials management of the City of Montreal. He reminded us that we have to clean our containers for hygienic reasons before sending them to sorting centers. Pumps and pipettes They do not recycle. So, if one of our products has one of these tips, we unscrew it and dispose of it before putting the container for recycling! Makeup As the cases of our cosmetics are often made of several materials that are difficult to separate from each other, they generally do not recycle. "Laminated tubes [a type of flexible plastic packaging often used for foundations and make-up bases] are also not accepted," says Jean-François Lesage. Mascara The tube, too difficult to clean, does not recycle. The brush is washed in soapy water and sent to the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ( appalachianwild.org ), an organization in North Carolina that uses it to clean the fur of small, vulnerable animals. . Aerosols As a safety issue, they cannot be recycled through the usual municipal recycling system. "Aerosols and pressurized containers can explode if they are heated or punctured," says our expert. We do not despair! They are accepted in eco-centers and when collecting hazardous household waste. Makeup brushes Like makeup cases, brushes do not mix with recycling because of the range of materials that make them up (plastic, metal, bristles, etc.). Before saying goodbye to them, we probe our surroundings to find out if a friend might need them, or we give them a second life by adding them to the children's artist's kit or using them as nail brushes, for example! Glass containers "Glass is fully recyclable and can be repeatedly collected without ever affecting its quality," said Alex Payne of TerraCycle. It makes it one of the most eco-friendly materials. ” Warning! In the case of a perfume, we make sure to separate the bottle from its atomizer, since the latter does not recycle. Nail polish As the containers are almost impossible to clean, they cannot be recycled directly - they are part of the category of household hazardous waste (HHW). So we bring them to the ecocentre nearest to us. Cleansing wipes Unless they are biodegradable - we could then compost them - they take the garbage path.

"Pamper the next one"

If for various reasons (an impulse purchase, perhaps?) Unused products clutter our pharmacy, we turn to organizations for women in need. We think in particular of the Fairies Marraines ( feesmarraines.ca ), which give the necessary to the teenagers coming from underprivileged environments so that they can be beautiful for their prom, or The stuff of success ( dressforsuccessmontreal.org ), which supports women in difficult situations who wish to (re) enter the labor market.

An app to facilitate recycling

Last spring, the company RECYC-QUÉBEC launched the application C'est va Où? The objective: to clarify, according to our municipality, which products are intended for the trash, the recycling bin or the eco-center. The information remains summary, so if question marks persist, we complete our search on recyc-quebec.gouv.qc.ca. The article 4 gestures to adopt for a responsible beauty routine appeared first on Elle Quebec .

EMPTY IT OUT

  As a rule of thumb, containers need to be rinsed and free of product before being recycled. Fragrances and products like nail varnish, polish remover and aftershave are considered hazardous waste and unsafe for recycling. “Anything that has product left in it should go back to a household hazardous waste depot, where they make sure the materials go in the right place,” says Nadine Kerr, manager of resource recovery for Solid Waste Management Services at the City of Toronto. “It can cause equipment breakdown and hazards for the people who are working at these facilities.” In particular, aerosol cans must be completely emptied and depressurized – failure to remove excess product can cause an explosion while the can is being processed. Waste processing varies between municipalities. In Toronto, the main guide for recycling protocol is the TOwaste app. Elsewhere, check with your local municipality.  

DON’T JUST HOPE FOR THE BEST

  Chucking your empties, even if they’re thoroughly rinsed, into the blue bin simply doesn’t cut it. “Aspirational recycling” refers to when “consumers aren’t sure if something’s recyclable or if it will get recycled because maybe it has some product in it, but they put it in anyway because they want to give it a chance,” says Michael Waas, global vice president of brand partnerships at TerraCycle. When not separated, mixed-component packaging – even if made up of entirely recyclable matter – can’t be processed by most municipal recycling streams. “The line will kick out [contaminated] products, and usually the products surrounding them, because they’re operating very quickly and with a huge volume,” says Waas. Facilities are ill-equipped to sort through the tiny components (think multi-part pumps and caps) found in cosmetic vessels and their packages. Coils and spiral bindings, such as the ones found in pump bottles, cannot be recycled by municipal recycling streams and belong in the trash.  

UNDERSTAND THE SIGNS

  The Mobius loop – an international recycling symbol – does not guarantee a product will be recycled through your city’s stream. However, the numbers within the loop indicate the type of plastic used in the product. “The good news is if you have a container that has a number five or one, that product is all made of a single resin,” says Kerr, and that means those products are easier to recycle. Look out for number seven plastics – they’re often made up of multiple resins, making them more difficult to recycle.  

NOT THE ANSWER

  On the surface, biodegradable plastics may seem like a miraculous solution to the waste crisis, but packaging made of polylactic acid (a common biodegradable plastic derived from corn) won’t decompose unless it’s processed at a high-efficiency composting facility. “Biodegradable packaging doesn’t add a lot of value to the compost, and, as a result, composters don’t really want it,” says Waas. “The only sustainable solution is designing single use [plastics] out of the equation.”  

BUY GREENER

  Use your purchasing power to put the onus on brands to streamline the recycling process. “Recycling is an economics challenge in that there is a technical recycling solution for absolutely every product and package,” says Waas. “The question is whether it makes economic sense for it to be recycled.” Most non-recyclable waste is considered as such because the cost to collect it exceeds the price for which the recovered material is sold. TerraCycle, the global recycling program behind Loop, has collection programs with brands like Caudalie, Weleda, Burt’s Bees and EOS, which are willing to absorb those costs. Return your brand-specific empties either by mail (free of charge) or in-store, and they will be remoulded into new products. If you aren’t brand-loyal, companies like L’Occitane, The Detox Market and Deciem have also partnered with TerraCycle and accept any product packaging at select locations.   This article originally appeared in the April 2020 issue of ELLE Canada.

Not only does refillable packaging feel like a palate cleanser after a steady diet of the single-use plastics, but a number of studies cite waste reduction as being more impactful than recycling.

POSTPONED - you may hold on to your office supplies until the new date, which will be announced soon, or bring to Staples to recycle as long as they are open. Don't know where to recycle your office supplies? On March 24, and March 25 from 10-2, drop off your ink and toner cartridges/drum units/writing supplies/batteries at the designated station in the Agora. Writing supplies include pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, and so on. These materials will be recycled into new products courtesy of Staples and Terra Cycle. The collected waste is mechanically and/or manually separated into metals, fibers, and plastics. Metals are melted so they may be recycled. The fibers (such as paper or wood based products) are recycled or composted. The plastics undergo extrusion and pelletization to be molded into new recycled plastic products. Electronic waste is not accepted at this event. If you have electronics you need to recycle, please submit a work order to have them picked up. Visit lakeheadu.ca/about/sustainability for more information

With Global Recycling Day on 18 March, Robert Lockyer, CEO and Founder of luxury packaging provider Delta Global, argues that brands stuck between the rock of climate catastrophe and the hard place of reputational risk should embrace innovation to put recycling at the heart of their model.   We have all seen the staggering reports about plastic pollution of the oceans, with the latest estimates suggesting as many as 12.7 million tonnes are added annually to our seas. Looking at the fashion industry, the figures aren’t circulated as readily but they’re equally eye-watering – it is believed, for example, that over 39 million tonnes of textiles go into landfills each year.   There are signs, however, that some of the biggest names around are moving in an encouraging direction.   Sportswear leader Nike has recently created its space hippie sneaker line – vegan sneakers with the lowest carbon footprint of any shoe the brand has produced to date and made from recycled materials which would otherwise have ended up in a landfill.   Another global behemoth, beverage group Coca-Cola, has this year begun producing bottles from 100% recycled plastics, launching the initiative in Sweden with label messages encouraging customers to ‘recycle me again’.   As well as beauty leader L’Oreal has responded to the pushes and pulls towards greater sustainability and committed to purchasing 100% recycled PET resin for all its packaging needs.   In the world of fashion, there are also encouraging signs. The high street retailer Zara has committed to making all of its collections from 100% sustainable fabrics by the start of 2025. Zalando says its private label Zign will from now on be fully dedicated to sustainability, starting with a Spring/Summer 2020 collection of garments made with either 50% or more sustainable materials or a minimum of 20% recycled content.   And the sense of urgency was thrown into sharp relief when none other than legendary fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger suggested in a recent interview that “in two or three years if a brand is not sustainable, it will be out of business.”   So, it looks like things are moving in the right direction but the question remains – what kind of things could your business be doing to make a substantive difference? That is the subject of an ongoing discussion here at Delta Global. The truth is there are several things you can do but often they rest on your ability to apply a bit of creative thinking. We came up with a good initiative recently, when we partnered with MatchesFashion to overhaul its signature marble box completely and produce its Eco-Luxe box which is now 100% recyclable.   We developed a bespoke solution which used perforation points in the box to enable customers to remove the magnetic closures when they eventually decide to get rid of the box. The new model is made from FSC-certified materials with a water-based finish and detachable magnets. That means the boxes are 100% recyclable and reusable.   I believe people must see the opportunity in waste. For example, educating your supply chain using data and automation processes, you can reduce waste and disposal costs. But, by monitoring that waste production, you can also then monetise it and cleverly recycle waste into new packaging and even new clothing.   As another example, if you can reclaim paper cut-offs and recirculate them back into production, you can turn them into branded inserts or paper handles for a fraction of the cost. Why not do what The Hand Dyed Shoe Company does and create bespoke, luxury shoes out of scrap leather? Using sustainably sourced leather, the company creates unique and made-to-order items all whilst minimising its waste.   Of course, there are many plastics and waste which are not suitable for your household recycling bin, as they don’t have the correct symbol and your local council won’t accept them. And little extras like caps, pumps and plastic-coated cardboard make it difficult for you to recycle.   However, some people with bright ideas are bringing new solutions to market. TerraCycle, for example, will collect your hard-to-recycle waste – such as beauty and skincare containers – and then turn it into raw material for new products. TerraCycle has drop-off points around the UK and stores like L’Occitane and The Body Shop will also accept empty, clean and dry packaging from any brand and pass it on, often offering rewards to customers returning hard-to-recycle plastics.   The leading global platform for pre-owned luxury fashion, Vestiaire Collective, is striking up partnerships that will crucial to creating a cultural shift in the way we think about fashion. Recently, the group joined with luxury Italian jeweller Pomellato – under global leader Kering – in a three-month campaign that rewarded customers with a 10% off voucher for selling their pre-owned pieces on the resale platform. The designer described the initiative as ‘an opportunity to extend the lifespan of pre-loved Pomellato pieces and start a new love affair with this season’s collection.’   Rewarding customers in this way aims to instil subconscious sustainable behaviours in buyers but we also must teach shoppers about the systems on offer. Whether that’s take-back programmes, discounts on new purchases or even charitable donations to clean up our environment, there’s plenty that can be done.   With corporations finally coming under pressure both from governments and from growing consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives, businesses should set realistic targets commensurate with their size and turnover in order to sustain our future. Brands need to dedicate themselves to a ‘recyclable’ revolution. This year, we’ve witnessed brands of all kinds implementing interesting initiatives in pursuit of the greater good.   Ground-breaking brands like Candiani Denim are even instigating change in industries that haven’t changed for decades. This year, for instance, they created a plant-based and bio-degradable alternative to the everyday pair of jeans.   From smaller acts that help clean up our environment, from local litter picks right through to newly designed packaging and fashion, we must intensify our efforts to source recyclable and biodegradable materials. But we must also do everything we can to make green thinking our default.   Nike, Coca-Cola, and L’Oreal are winners of the World Branding Awards. For more information about the World Branding Awards, click here.

We’ve all seen the staggering reports about plastic pollution of the oceans, with the latest estimates suggesting as many as 12.7 million tonnes are added annually to our seas.   Looking at the fashion industry, the figures aren’t circulated as readily but they’re equally eye-watering – it is believed, for example, that over 39 million tonnes of textiles go into landfills each year.   There are signs, however, that some of the biggest names around are moving in an encouraging direction.   Giants making waves   Sportswear leader Nike has recently created its Space Hippie sneaker line – vegan sneakers with the lowest carbon footprint of any shoe the brand has produced to date and made from recycled materials which would otherwise have ended up in landfill.   Another global behemoth, beverage group Coca-Cola, has this year begun producing bottles from 100% recycled plastics, launching the initiative in Sweden with label messages encouraging customers to ‘recycle me again’.   And the beauty leader L’Oreal has responded to the pushes and pulls towards greater sustainability and committed to purchasing 100% recycled PET resin for all its packaging needs.   Sustainable collections   In the world of fashion, there are also encouraging signs. The high street retailer Zara has comitted to making all of its collections from 100% sustainable fabrics by the start of 2025.   Zalando says its private label Zign will from now on be fully dedicated to sustainability, starting with a Spring/Summer 2020 collection of garments made with either 50% or more sustainable materials or a minimum of 20% recycled content.   And the sense of urgency was thrown into sharp relief when none other than legendary fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger suggested in a recent interview that “in two or three years, if a brand is not sustainable, it will be out of business.”   Material issue   So, it looks like things are moving in the right direction but the question remains – what kind of things could your business be doing to make a substantive difference?   That’s the subject of ongoing discussion here at Delta Global. The truth is there are several things you can do but often they rest on your ability to apply a bit of creative thinking.   We came up with a good initiative recently, when we partnered with MATCHESFASHION to overhaul its signature marble box completely and produce its Eco Luxe box which is now 100% recyclable.   We developed a bespoke solution which used perforation points in the box to enable customers to remove the magnetic closures when they eventually decide to get rid of the box.   The new model is made from FSC-certified materials with a water-based finish and detachable magnets. That means the boxes are 100% recyclable and reusable.   Recycling waste items into new products   I believe people must see the opportunity in waste. For example, educating your supply chain using data and automation processes, you can reduce waste and disposal costs.   But, by monitoring that waste production, you can also then monetise it and cleverly recycle waste into new packaging and even new clothing.   And, as another example, if you can reclaim paper cut-offs and recirculate them back into production, you can turn them into branded inserts or paper handles for a fraction of the cost.   Or why not do what The Hand Dyed Shoe Company does and create bespoke, luxury shoes out of scrap leather? Using sustainably sourced leather, the company creates unique and made-to-order items all while minimising its waste.   Partner with new recycling companies   Of course, there are many plastics and waste which are not suitable for your household recycling bin, as they don’t have the correct symbol and your local council won’t accept them. And little extras like caps, pumps and plastic-coated cardboard make it difficult for you to recycle.   But some people with bright ideas are bringing new solutions to market. TerraCycle, for example, will collect your hard-to-recycle waste – such as beauty and skincare containers – and then turn it into raw material for new products   TerraCyle has drop-off points around the UK and stores like L’Occitane and The Body Shop will also accept empty, clean and dry packaging from any brand and pass it on, often offering rewards to customers returning hard-to-recycle plastics.   If you can’t recycle, resell   The leading global platform for pre-owned luxury fashion, Vestiaire Collective, is striking up partnerships that will crucial to creating a cultural shift in the way we think about fashion.   Recently, the group joined with luxury Italian jewellers Pomellato – under global leader Kering – in a three-month campaign that rewarded customers with a 10% off voucher for selling their pre-owned pieces on the resale platform.   The designer described the initiative as ‘an opportunity to extend the lifespan of pre-loved Pomellato pieces and start a new love affair with this season’s collection.’   Rewarding customers in this way aims to instil subconscious sustainable behaviours in buyers but we also must teach shoppers about the systems on offer. Whether that’s take-back programmes, discounts on new purchases or even charitable donations to clean up our environment, there’s plenty that can be done.   The future of recycling   With corporations finally coming under pressure both from governments and from growing consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives, businesses should set realistic targets commensurate with their size and turnover in order to sustain our future.   Brands need to dedicate themselves to a ‘recyclable’ revolution. This year, we’ve witnessed brands of all kinds implementing interesting initiatives in pursuit of the greater good.   And ground-breaking brands like Candiani Denim are even instigating change in industries that haven’t changed for decades. This year, for instance, they created a plant-based and bio-degradable alternative to the everyday pair of jeans.   From smaller acts that help clean up our environment, from local litter picks right through to newly designed packaging and fashion, we must intensify our efforts to source recyclable and biodegradable materials.   But we must also do everything we can to make green thinking our default.

Find The Perfect Gift For Mother’s Day With L’OCCITANE   With Mother’s Day just around the corner,  it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the most important woman in your life.   Whether you’re choosing something for you mum, grandmother or helping your kids pick a gift for your other half, L’OCCITANE is here to help.     From fresh scents to bath sets, pillow mists, relaxing candles and beauty products, there’s plenty to put her at ease, and offer an evening of utter relaxation and bliss.   Check out some of our favourite gift sets, available in stores and online now:  

Overnight Reset Collection

  This beautiful beauty set contains four products from the Immortelle range, bringing the skin back to life and giving it some much needed and well-deserved TLC.   The collection includes the Immortelle Cleansing Oil 30ml, Immortelle Reset Serum 30ml, Immortelle Precious Cream 8ml and the Immortelle Essentail Water 30ml.   The set, which is worth €78, is currently priced at €62.  

Indulgent Almond Collection

  When you’re running around after little ones all day long, moments to relax in the bath and shower are rare. Treat your mum, and allow her to make the most of this time with L’OCCITANE’s gorgeous Indulgent Almond Collection.   The set contains Almond Shower Oil 250ml, Almost Delightful Body Balm 100ml, Almond Soap 50g and Almond Delicious Hands 30ml.  

HERBAE par L’OCCITANE L’EAU Collection

  Filled with rich floral scents, the HERBAE par L’OCCITANE L’EAU Collection would be an ideal gift for anyone – not just a mum.   Containing the HERBAE par L’OCCITANE L’EAU perfume 50ml, hand cream 30ml and shower gel 250ml, this wonderful present will be used time and time again.   The collection, worth €88, is currently priced at €60.  

Relaxing Home Collection

  There’s nothing better than lighting a candle, sitting on the couch and allowing all your troubles float away.   This Mother’s Day, why not treat your mum or grandmother to the Relaxing Home Collection.   The set contains a Relaxing Pillow Mist 100ml, Relaxing Candle 140g and a Relaxing Soap, for €52.     As well as the bigger gift sets, you can also pick up some wonderful individual pieces for your mum.   L’OCCITANE has a full range of gifts that give back, meaning not only will you find a wonderful present for your loved one, but it won’t be as damaging to the environment as some others.   The soaps available in L’OCCITANE are all palm oil free, and come wrapped in recycled paper.   The HERBAE L’EAU Soap is €6.50.   With L’OCCITANE, instead of constantly buying brand new products and having a package build up, you can simply refill her favourite products with an eco-refill pack.   Available in 16 different lines across skincare, body care and hair care, the eco-refills use up to 98% less packaging than its counterpart.   The Almond Shower Oil Refill Duo costs €45.   A recent launch for L’OCCITANE, the Solidarity Balm is perfect to use on lips, skin and dry skin to offer instant nourishment.   100 percent of the profits from this product, will go to Women’s Leadership initiatives in Burkina Faso with the support of the L’OCCITANE Foundation.     Plus, did you know, if you return any empty products to a L’OCCITANE store to be recycled with TerraCycle, you’ll receive 10% off a full-priced product that day.   Happy shopping!