#THINK GREEN: 4 Things You Probably Think You Can Recycle That You CAN'T

MICROLUXEbeauty Magazine

Volume V - The First Monthly Issue

We’ve all learned about the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. But as the world population grows and people are consuming more than ever, recycling isn’t a perfect solution for the waste crisis our planet is facing.

Although it is important to recycle, it’s just as important to recycle properly and not to put things in recycling bins that are not recyclable.

1. Bottle Caps

Water bottle caps, soda caps, laundry detergent caps, almost all caps are made from plastic #5 which is not recyclable. They also clog up the recycling sorting machines and cause a big headache for recycling workers.

Solution: Get a reusable water bottle! Not only are they so much better for the environment, but they're also cute, durable, and you can personalize them too!

2. Greasy Pizza Boxes

Mmm pizza... A staple of the American diet. Cardboard is recyclable right?! Yes! Unfortunately, when it gets soaked in grease, oil, or food waste, that waste can damage recycling equipment and contaminate other recyclables which means that it needs to be thrown in the trash.

Solution: Take-and-bake pizza boxes are recyclable because the pizza comes wrapped in plastic and does not get the cardboard greasy! However, the thin plastic wrapping is not recyclable. Try making homemade pizza!

PS. greasy pizza boxes make for good beach bonfire fuel too.

3. Polystyrene (Styrofoam) Containers

and Plastic Utensils

Most people know styrofoam as the white squishy foam cups we get hot cocoa, in the winter! Styrofoam is actually made from a type of plastic called polystyrene, or plastic #6. This type of plastic is very expensive to process and is not accepted by most recycling centers. Some more common items made from polystyrene are takeout containers, plastic eating utensils, egg cartons, and coffee cups.

Solution: You guessed it... REUSABLE! If you end up using these things, (and I mean it's basically impossible to not from time to time... (Hello take out! It’s COVID..) try saving containers and utensils and use them as many times as you can. Get creative! Use some for starting new plants, or even funky art projects.

4. Waxed Paper and Cartons

Yes, sadly your orange juice, milk, broth, and other waxed containers belong in the trash. The wax coating does not break down to easily be recycled.

Solution: Making your own broth is easy! Save cuttings from veggies scraps (Psttt.. this is a food waste hack as well!) until you have enough to boil into a nice veggie broth. If you have a little extra time these days, try squeezing your orange juice yourself. It's so much fresher and squeezing your own OJ also doubles as a mini workout!

Although MOST recycling centers do not accept these items and they do more harm than good when improperly recycled, always check with your local sanitation municipality to get an in-depth look at what is and is not recyclable in your area. And whenever possible, consider where you can cut back on waste altogether by buying as many unpackages items as you can, shop local, and buy only what you need.

To read the full Volume of MICROLUXEbeauty Magazine, head over to microluxebrows.wix.com/microluxebeautymag.