Image source – http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/solid-waste/whattodo/WCMS1P-110272

A daily or weekly shop has turned not only into a shop for food but for its packaging too. Packaging on foods continues to rise as distributors look for better ways to protect their produce from the environment. We already know that food packaging helps to preserve food and helps to protect it from any knocks and bumps. It does however also mean that there is a huge increase in waste, landfills become fuller quicker, greenhouse gasses get worse and animals are killed.

It is therefore important to try and protect the environment by reusing and recycling our food packaging. Not all packaging is recyclable but it can be reused depending on what it is.

Food And Drinks Cans:

Tin cans are a very popular form of packaging for both food and drinks and are very easily recycled. Next time you go to put your tin can in the bin, opt for the recycling bin. These can be recycled in the home to be picked up or taken to your nearest recycling centre. 

Plastic Bottles:

Plastic bottles are another common form of packaging. Typically used for drinks but also used for some food products. Plastic bottles can be recycled almost anywhere providing the plastic is recyclable. If the plastic isn’t recyclable think about reusing it.  Whether it be for junk modelling, creating mini cactus gardens or using as flower holders its better than throwing it away.

Plastic Pots, Tubs and Trays:

Some recycling schemes still don’t take these away for you however they should be able to be taken to your nearest recycling centre.

Carrier Bags:

Carrier bags are easily accessible in the likes of supermarkets and customers take what they need without a thought. Some supermarkets now charge for their carrier bags or hand them out one at a time to try and reduce the number given out. If however you do get a carrier bag at the supermarket, take it with you the next time and reuse it. They can withstand a number of uses, particularly those that are geared to be reused. When your carrier bag does give in please recycle it, there are recycling points in local supermarkets and local recycling centres. 

Cardboard Boxes:

Lots of food produce comes packaged in cardboard boxes. Luckily for us these are easily recycled and can be done at home or at your nearest recycling centre. If the cardboard boxes contain metal it is likely that they won’t be accepted in your home recycling bin. 

Glass:

Glass bottles and jars can be recycled at home, at bottle banks and at recycling centres. They usually need to be separated by colour, green, brown and clear.  

Image source – http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/solid-waste/whattodo/WCMS1P-110272

A daily or weekly shop has turned not only into a shop for food but for its packaging too. Packaging on foods continues to rise as distributors look for better ways to protect their produce from the environment. We already know that food packaging helps to preserve food and helps to protect it from any knocks and bumps. It does however also mean that there is a huge increase in waste, landfills become fuller quicker, greenhouse gasses get worse and animals are killed.

It is therefore important to try and protect the environment by reusing and recycling our food packaging. Not all packaging is recyclable but it can be reused depending on what it is.

Food And Drinks Cans:

Tin cans are a very popular form of packaging for both food and drinks and are very easily recycled. Next time you go to put your tin can in the bin, opt for the recycling bin. These can be recycled in the home to be picked up or taken to your nearest recycling centre. 

Plastic Bottles:

Plastic bottles are another common form of packaging. Typically used for drinks but also used for some food products. Plastic bottles can be recycled almost anywhere providing the plastic is recyclable. If the plastic isn’t recyclable think about reusing it.  Whether it be for junk modelling, creating mini cactus gardens or using as flower holders its better than throwing it away.

Plastic Pots, Tubs and Trays:

Some recycling schemes still don’t take these away for you however they should be able to be taken to your nearest recycling centre.

Carrier Bags:

Carrier bags are easily accessible in the likes of supermarkets and customers take what they need without a thought. Some supermarkets now charge for their carrier bags or hand them out one at a time to try and reduce the number given out. If however you do get a carrier bag at the supermarket, take it with you the next time and reuse it. They can withstand a number of uses, particularly those that are geared to be reused. When your carrier bag does give in please recycle it, there are recycling points in local supermarkets and local recycling centres. 

Cardboard Boxes:

Lots of food produce comes packaged in cardboard boxes. Luckily for us these are easily recycled and can be done at home or at your nearest recycling centre. If the cardboard boxes contain metal it is likely that they won’t be accepted in your home recycling bin. 

Glass:

Glass bottles and jars can be recycled at home, at bottle banks and at recycling centres. They usually need to be separated by colour, green, brown and clear.