What comes to mind when you think of environmental sustainability? Is recycling one of the first things that comes to mind? Is recycling really an example of sustainability, or is it just a small part of the larger puzzle?
In this blog post, we’ll explore these questions and more. We’ll define what sustainability means, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of recycling, and take a look at some of the challenges facing recyclers today.
What is sustainability?
The definition of sustainability can be vague and difficult to pin down.
Recycling is the process of turning waste into new materials, but what does that have to do with sustainability? Is there any correlation between recycling and sustainability?
There is no easy answer to this question. The definition of sustainability can vary depending on who you ask, and recycling can be viewed in different ways by different people.
Some may see it as a way to reduce waste and help conserve resources, while others may see it as just one small part of the overall sustainability puzzle.
Why is recycling an example of sustainability?
Recycling helps and we need to keep the process going. In this way, for example, thousands of plastic bottles will have a second useful life that will bring great benefits on a social level because, fortunately, companies that are dedicated to collecting waste as a raw material are increasing in number.
This generates new jobs and the opportunity to create a balance between the preservation of natural resources and their conscious use to ensure the well-being of future generations in a habitable environment.
The recycling of metals from cans, sheets or aluminum trays is beneficial for the creation of new products. Glass can be processed in an unlimited way without losing its properties. Products are created from its melting that will be equally functional and safe.
Organic vegetable waste is compostable and can be used as plant fertilizer. If you don’t have plants at home, you can donate the compost to your community.
Is everything about recycling good or does it have its flaws?
There is no doubt that recycling has its advantages: it can help conserve resources, reduce pollution and save energy.
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. For example, recycling can be expensive and require a lot of time and effort. It can also be difficult to recycle some materials, such as plastic bags or Styrofoam.
Despite these disadvantages, recycling is still a great way to help conserve resources and reduce pollution. It can also save energy by reducing the need for new materials.
What can we do to help the environment besides recycling?
Although, as individuals, we are not direct causes of problems such as natural disasters, we are not innocent.
The human species was able to negatively influence its own ecosystem and now we see with great concern that the impact of excessive forms of production and consumption are condemning future generations to a devastated environment.
Although we are mostly the cause of this catastrophic scenario, we can be the solution.
Recycling is indeed an example of environmental sustainability because it promotes actions that directly influence social, economic and environmental issues.
But the reality is that recycling alone is not enough to create a truly “green society”. It is certainly a start, of course. But to attack the root of the problem, it is not enough to separate waste or reuse what we definitely cannot refuse.
We must take a real introspective look and question the disproportionate way we consume. We must stop to think if we really need all the things we acquire and what we can do to make a change from within, from our homes, from our conscience.
And when this process is apprehended, we will be able to not look aside when the environment where we live is affected by individual interests.
The discourse of sustainable development must have a basis in reality, not just palliatives that disguise the problem while the real damage occurs in less privileged areas.
Commitment to the environment through recycling
We must face the reality of climate change. Recycling is an example of sustainability that we should not abandon no matter how unfavorable the future outlook may be.
At Swet Athletix we support sustainable initiatives that also increase well-being in the fitness world. We present much greener solutions for body care and post workout items.
BagFresh and SeatFresh are made with materials made from recycled bottles. This process recovers thousands of plastic bottles to create rPET. In this way we reduce plastic pollution in the sea, landfill overflow and carbon emission into the environment.
Health and good hygiene is an aspect of our lives that we cannot leave aside and we must look for greener alternatives to achieve viable and real sustainability.
At Sweat Athletix we have a clear mission: to help athletes and people who train constantly to maintain good hygiene after training without compromising environmental health.