3 Tips for Easier Recycling at Home

Although by now we’re all familiar with the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - we sometimes forget to put them into action.

The first R, reduce, means that you should cut back on the total amount of foods and products that we’re consuming in order to lessen our carbon footprint.

This can take the form of switching to metal or glass straws in an effort to say no to plastic ones or putting your coffee in a thermos instead of buying at a coffee shop. Every consideration and change counts!

The next R is reuse, which encourages us to reuse items instead of immediately throwing them into the trash.

You can either choose to reuse these items yourself or give them away for donation. For example, you can use old jars to store items in the kitchen or as water glasses.

The last R, recycle, is at the bottom of the list for a reason. While recycling is a crucial step in helping the environment, it should be employed after you’ve done your best to reduce and reuse.

Recycling means to transform goods into raw materials so that it can be shaped into a new item. This, however, takes a significant amount of energy, and there is often a large onus on consumers to properly wash and sort their recyclable materials.

Recycling doesn’t have to be so tedious, though. Below, Santevia has created a list of ideas for easier recycling at home:

1. Learn More About Recycling in your Area

Recycling varies between countries, provinces, and even municipalities - so it’s very important to learn about what materials can be recycled in your area, how to sort them, and if they need to be cleaned prior to pickup. Most municipalities offer this information online or over the phone.

Delta, where Santevia’s head office is located, provides resources on their website regarding recycling, garbage, and compost.

Another tip: some plastics cannot be recycled at all, like #6. Look at the label on the plastic to see if it should be discarded in the trash, or if it can be recycled.

2. Create a System That Works

There is an infinite number of ways that you can organize recycling in your home - whether you keep the recycling bins under the sink, on the ground, or mounted to the wall.

Our tip is to choose a system that is most convenient for you and your family. If recycling becomes too much effort, you will be less likely to recycle items.

3. Choose Products That Can Be Recycled Easily

Some products are made in a way that isn’t conducive to recycling - think of the packages that come wrapped in plastic that can’t be separated from cardboard. In municipalities that require recycling to be sorted, these packages can seem like an impossible feat.

Opt for companies, like Santevia, that make recycling your products and packaging simple and efficient. The MINA Pitcher filter can be recycled in minutes and helps consumers reduce their carbon footprint.

Santevia is passionate about improving sustainability, which is why we are dedicated to making our products easy to recycle. The MINA Pitcher reduces chlorine, adds minerals, and alkalizes water for your entire household. The filter lasts 60 days or 300 litres, and the best part is that the filter can be easily recycled when you replace it. Visit the website to browse our full line of products.