Category: Green Issues

How to reduce plastic waste in school

Plastic waste is a growing concern across the globe, and schools are no exception. From lunch packaging to supplies, single-use plastics are difficult to avoid.

However, with careful planning and a commitment to sustainable practices, schools can significantly reduce their plastic waste footprint.

Whether you’re a teacher, school chef, receptionist, parent, or student, find out how to reduce plastic waste in school. Explore our expert strategies and share them with others to take action against waste today.

The impact of plastic waste in school

Schools generate a substantial amount of plastic waste and contribute to the wider problem of environmental pollution. Single-use plastics such as water bottles, food packaging, and plastic cutlery are common offenders, alongside packaging for items like textbooks and art supplies.

When not properly disposed of, this waste can end up in landfills or oceans, causing harm to wildlife and contributing to the growing issue of plastic pollution.

Reducing plastic waste in school is beneficial for the environment. But it also presents an opportunity to educate students on the importance of sustainability. By implementing eco-friendly practices, schools can lead by example, showing students that small changes can make a significant impact on the planet.

Reducing plastic waste in the school canteen

The lunch room is often a hive of activity, with hungry students piling in either with lunchboxes from home or to order from the kitchen.

While it can be difficult to enforce rules on what parents can and cannot pack into their children’s lunchboxes, you can make a difference with the food your school provides to students.

Eliminate single-use plastics

One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste in the dining hall is by eliminating single-use plastics. This includes replacing disposable cutlery, plates, and cups with reusable alternatives. While doing so increases what needs to be washed, using reusable items where possible can greatly reduce the amount of daily plastic waste.

Schools can also encourage students to bring their own reusable water bottles and lunch containers, reducing the need for plastic packaging.

Offer bulk food options

Instead of individually packaged snacks and drinks, schools can offer bulk food options in the dining hall. For example, providing large dispensers for water, juice, or milk can eliminate the need for single-use bottles or cartons.

Similarly, bulk bins for snacks like granola, nuts, or fruit can reduce the amount of plastic packaging waste.

Reducing plastic waste in classrooms

While classrooms might not see as much damage as the canteen, there is still plastic waste to battle with.

Use reusable supplies

From pens and markers to glue sticks and art supplies, many classroom materials come packaged in plastic.

By switching to reusable or refillable options, schools can cut down on plastic waste. Try introducing refillable markers and pens and encourage the use of recycled paper. These minor switches can make a big difference.

Implement plastic-free art lessons

Art supplies are often packaged in plastic, but there are sustainable alternatives available. Schools can opt for biodegradable or recyclable art materials, such as paper-based paints, natural brushes, and reusable palettes.

Encouraging students to create art from recycled materials can also reduce the need for new plastic supplies while fostering creativity and environmental awareness.

Encourage digital learning

Digital learning tools can greatly reduce the need for plastic-based materials like binders, folders, and textbooks. By introducing tablets and laptops in the classroom, schools can minimise their reliance on plastic products.

Digital assignments and e-books also reduce the need for printed materials, further cutting down on waste.

Reducing plastic waste in bathrooms

Toiletries are big offenders of the plastic waste dilemma. Tackle the problem head-on in school toilets with these simple alternatives.

Switch to eco-friendly toiletries

Try to source eco-friendly alternatives to toiletries that can be delivered in bulk to your school. Choosing bulk soap dispensers in favour of multiple smaller options and recycled paper products can significantly reduce plastic waste in schools.

For further waste reduction, consider installing hand dryers instead of using paper towels.

Use refillable products

Refillable dispensers for soap, hand sanitiser, and cleaning products can reduce the need for single-use plastic containers. Schools can purchase these products in bulk and refill the dispensers as needed, cutting down on packaging waste.

Reducing plastic waste in staff rooms

Teachers should lead by example to encourage their students to make better choices. Start in the staff room so you get into the habit of teaching others.

Try sustainable teabags and coffee

With a long day of lessons ahead, you might be tempted to stock up on caffeinated drinks. However, many teabags contain plastic, which can contribute to waste.

By opting for plastic-free teabags or loose-leaf tea, schools can reduce their plastic footprint. Similarly, switching to a reusable coffee filter or a French press can eliminate the need for disposable coffee pods or filters.

Use reusable containers

Staff members should be encouraged to bring their own reusable containers for lunches and snacks, reducing their use of plastic packaging. Schools can also provide reusable dishes, cutlery, and cups in the staff room, which makes it easy for staff to avoid single-use plastics.

Introduce a recycling program

A robust recycling program in the staff room can help ensure any plastic waste is properly disposed of. Clear signage and accessible recycling bins can encourage staff to recycle plastic items like bottles and containers, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in the trash.

Taking the next step

Reducing plastic waste in school is a critical step towards creating a more sustainable future. By implementing these strategies across all areas of the school, you and others involved can make a significant impact on the planet. Through small changes and collective action, schools can lead the way in reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment for years to come.

Find out more about ways to tackle plastic waste by reaching out to Forge Recycling for help.

10 easy eco-friendly house cleaning hacks

Having a wonderfully clean and freshly fragrant home can do wonders for our mood. If we feel clean in our homes, we feel clean in our minds. It’s, of course, important to keep our environments clean for our physical health, too.

But have the products we use gone too far?

Many cleaning products can cause significant damage to the environment and release harsh chemicals into the air and water. Fortunately, eco-friendly cleaning alternatives offer an effective way to maintain a sparkling home without harming the planet.

Discover our top 10 ways to clean your home and find out which ingredients you should always keep in your cupboards to make your own eco-friendly cleaning products.

Why switch to eco-friendly cleaning products?

Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products is a much kinder environmental alternative to traditional products. However, did you know that making the change can also benefit you and anyone else living in your house?

The conventional cleaning products you pick up from the shelves at your local supermarket are filled with harsh chemicals that young children and pets are especially sensitive to. Products might be masked by pleasant floral or citrus scents, but they’re in there. These chemicals can cause skin irritations and potential respiratory issues.

Eco-friendly alternative products are made from natural ingredients that are kinder to you and the planet. The ingredients that make up these cleaning products are strong enough to banish bacteria and get your surfaces glistening, so you can feel fresh and safe all at once.

Eco-friendly cleaning hacks

Whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom, living room, or bedroom, there’s an eco-friendly way to clean your home.

1.     Carpet cleaning

Carpets love to hold on to dust, dirt, pet hair, and crumbs. Sometimes, a once-over with the hoover isn’t enough to clean deep down between the fibres, which is when we typically reach for the carpet shampoo.

Eco-friendly carpet cleaning eliminates the need to douse your carpets with harsh ingredients. As an alternative, sprinkle baking soda over your carpets and let them sit for 30 minutes for it to do its job. Then, thoroughly hoover carpets to pick up the baking soda, along with any lingering smells.

If you have stubborn stains, mix equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle by shaking well. Spray the solution directly onto the stain and pat it with a clean cloth until the stain lifts.

2.     Dusting

Traditional dusting sprays release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are intrusive vapours that can reduce indoor air quality and impact drinking water supplies. While they produce a pleasant scent to the human nose, they can do more damage than they are worth.

Consider simply using a microfiber cloth or even a handheld hoover to pick up dust without the need for sprays. If you have wooden surfaces that need to be polished, simply mix a few drops of olive oil with lemon juice for a natural DIY polish. Your surfaces will glisten, and the lemon will leave behind a lovely aroma.

3.     Window cleaning

Eco window cleaning is, thankfully, very simple. Grab the white vinegar and water solution you used for cleaning the carpet and spray it on to your windows. Wipe away with a clean cloth (preferably microfiber) using circular motions.

A handy trick for getting rid of cleaning streaks is to go over the window again with scrunched-up newspaper. If there are any stubborn spots that didn’t pick up, try adding a few drops of rubbing alcohol to your solution to give it extra strength.

4.     Mattress freshening

We spend an average of one-third of our lives sleeping, so our mattresses are very well-used. As such, they pick up stains, odours, and even dust mites.

Refresh your mattress by dusting a fine layer of baking soda over the entire surface. Let it sit for at least two hours then hoover the mattress. You will be left with a much more pleasant scent and likely a better night’s sleep.

5.     Grease removal

Tough grease stains can be so difficult to remove that it’s easy to reach for heavy-duty cleaning products. But just as they are effective for many other cleaning hacks, baking soda and white vinegar can be your best friends to tackle grease and grime.

First, sprinkle the baking soda over the greasy surfaces. Next, generously spray some white vinegar and let the mixture fizz. Let it sit for just a few minutes and you’ll find you can easily wipe the grime away with a cloth or paper towel to achieve a gleaming surface.

6.     Oven cleaning

Commercial oven cleaners are among the most fiendish of cleaning products in terms of nasty chemicals. Because cleaning ovens often requires elbow grease, products are packed with more chemicals to lift burnt crusts and grease more easily.

For eco oven cleaning, all you need is baking soda and a little bit of water. Make a paste from the combination by only adding a small amount of water each time, mixing as you go. When you have enough mixture, spread it inside your oven and let it sit overnight. It will easily wipe away by the morning. However, if you do find anything has stuck behind, just spritz your trusty white vinegar solution to dissolve lingering grime.

7.     Air fresheners

We all love to get our homes smelling clean, fresh, and inviting. But at what cost? Synthetic air fresheners release chemicals directly into the air that can be dangerous when ingested.

Try a natural alternative so you can enjoy pleasant scents in your home without any of the worry. Pick out your favourite essential oil and add a few drops into a spray bottle filled with water. Lavender and eucalyptus are popular, as are orange and jasmine. Spray it around your home to enjoy the natural scent. Be sure to check the oils are safe to use if you have pets.

8.     Laundry detergent

It’s important to consider the impact of our laundry detergent has on water supplies.

If you’re trying to be more eco-conscious, try making your own detergent that is gentler on our skin and the environment. Simply mix washing soda and borax, grating in some soap of your choosing. It works as a natural detergent that effectively cleans your clothes without the negative impact.

9.     Toilet scrubbing

Nobody loves to clean toilets, so it makes sense that we would want to pick up traditional products that speed up the process with the chemicals they use. But these chemicals are released into the world with every flush, so we have a responsibility to find an eco-friendly way to clean our toilets and achieve an environmentally conscious bathroom.

Measure 60g of baking soda into a cup and pour directly into the toilet bowl, followed by another 60g of white vinegar. Make sure to pour it all around the bowl. The mixture will begin to fizz and foam, breaking down stains and disinfecting the bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing with the toilet brush and flushing away.

10.  Cleaning the microwave

Microwaves can get very messy, thanks to sauces and soups spluttering inside while heating.

Instead of scrubbing down with something harsh that could filter into your next meal, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a cup or microwave-safe bowl if you have one. Add some water and microwave on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, making sure the solution doesn’t boil over. When finished, keep the microwave door closed for another five minutes. The steam of the solution will loosen grime that can easily be wiped away with a paper towel.

Once you have discovered effective eco-friendly cleaning hacks, you’ll realise how easy it is to be kind to the planet. Discover more environmentally conscious tips and tricks with Forge Recycling so you can make mindful switches that help the planet.

How to enjoy a greener Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is an annual British commemoration observed on 5 November to celebrate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605.

Due to Guy Fawkes and his accomplices planning to blow up King James I of England and the House of Lords, fire has always been involved in celebrations regarding the failed plot.

Effigies of Guy Fawkes are often placed on these bonfires to burn. In modern times, fireworks are also synonymous with 5 November.

Unfortunately, it has come to light in recent times that Bonfire Night can have a detrimental effect on the environment.

This is down to the materials being burned and the chemicals in the fireworks, all of which create air pollution which can be problematic to humans, animals and the earth.

So, what can we do about this? We outline some ideas below.

Continue reading How to enjoy a greener Bonfire Night

How eco-friendly is Glastonbury Festival?

Following every year of Glastonbury Festival, the media is awash with images of the trash left behind by the festivalgoers once they have headed for home. This equates to fields of litter, some recyclable and some not, all left for someone else to deal with.

This has sadly become the norm over the years, with around 8oo litter pickers descending upon the festival site to gather up all of the rubbish and deliver it to the onsite recycling centre — both throughout the festival and when it is over.

In this blog post, we look at how eco-friendly the Glastonbury Festival is — from its waste to its energy, to its plastic use.

Continue reading How eco-friendly is Glastonbury Festival?

5 eco-friendly ideas for Valentine’s Day

Over time, Valentine’s Day has become a very consumer-driven celebration, with greetings cards, chocolates and cut flowers being common purchases for loved ones. However, there are many other ways to celebrate and profess your love to your partner or prospective partner, which are kinder to the environment, as well as the bank balance. Why not try one of the ideas below this Valentine’s Day?

Continue reading 5 eco-friendly ideas for Valentine’s Day

Biodegradable Plastic is just as bad for the Environment

As time goes on, there is increasing chatter about, and hope placed upon, biodegradable plastics. In theory, they sound like a good idea on comparison to ‘regular’ plastics; a strong material which is used for its purpose, and then naturally breaks down over time, leaving no trace – or so we assume. These newer plastics aren’t quite the angelic material they claim to be though, as you’ll discover in this article.

What are Biodegradable Plastics?

Biodegradable plastics are the supposedly more eco-friendly versions of regular plastics, which are celebrated for the speed in which they are able to biodegrade. However, depending on what they are made from, these plastics require specific environmental factors to trigger the degradation process – for example: a heat of 50C, plenty of oxygen, or exposure to water.

Continue reading Biodegradable Plastic is just as bad for the Environment

Fast fashion & the destruction of developing countries

It’s a little known fact that us Brits wear just 70 per cent of the clothes that we have stored away in our wardrobes, which leaves us with a total of 1.7 billion unused items. On average, a consumer keeps their garments for three years, but even more shocking than this is the fact that something might be frequently worn in the first year, and then phased into the stockpile of unworn clothes later on. That is why the average British closet is so overstuffed: we don’t wear all of the clothes we own.

The spending habits of the average person in the West have changed dramatically over the last hundred or so years when it comes to buying clothing. Between 2002 and 2003, for example, people in the US spent, on average, four per cent of their income on clothes, whereas back between the years of 1934 and 1946, clothing used up 12 per cent of people’s incomes. The current average expenditure per item in the USA is $14.60. Don’t go thinking that we are all consuming less though. On average, just one person in the UK will produce 70 Kg of textiles waste per year – that is a lot of clothing. Cheap, fast fashion means we are spending less yet buying more.

So, what will happen after you clean out your closet? Continue reading Fast fashion & the destruction of developing countries

Tips For Being an Eco-Friendly Woman

Research suggests that women are generally ‘greener’ than men. If we look at it at a base level, a French study shows that women emit 32.3 kilograms of carbon a day, compared to men emitting 39.3 kilograms. This difference is due to apparent gender variations in: green attitudes, purchase behaviour, susceptibility to green advertising, transport choices, food choices, and driving habits.

However, whilst women are ahead in many ways when it comes to being environmentally aware and friendly, the majority of people – women included – on our planet are not doing enough to stop, or even slow, the harm being done to the Earth.

This is a small guide for women on how to live in an environmentally friendly way, using ideas you might not have considered before. Most of these tips are relevant to men too, so why not have a read!

Cosmetics, Make-up & Toiletries

Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay

Cosmetics and make-up, alongside toiletries such as shower gel, are often packaged in plastic. Most of these are recyclable, but here are some points to think about if you wish to cut your impact on the environment:

  • Could you purchase items in bulk, therefore using less packaging?
  • If you must use your usual brands and products, could you reuse that bottle or pot for something else?
  • If you really must dispose of your packaging, always recycle everything you can. Remember: a small plastic bottle can take 450-1000 years to degrade in landfill, and research suggests that is where most plastic bottles (around 90%) end up.
  • When it comes to items for removing make-up and cleaning your face, opt for reusables such as flannels and crochet pads, as opposed to disposable and unrecyclable facial wipes.
  • Nail polish is sold in glass bottles, with plastic lids. Perhaps you could use your empty bottle to create your own nail varnish colour.

Feminine hygiene products

It is no secret that women menstruate, and in doing so we get through a shocking amount of disposable sanitary towels and tampons during our time on Earth. These items are bad for our health; most aren’t made from cotton, and contain plastic chemicals, and those that are made from cotton have been bleached. Cotton crops are also often sprayed with a variety of chemicals, so even the cotton itself is not clean. Now think about where you wear these items! Tampons, too, carry a heightened risk of you developing TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome).

Not only are these sanitary items bad for your health, but they are bad for the environment too. The majority end up in landfill, and when you consider how many are used by every woman, that is a lot of waste to landfill. The average woman uses over 16,000 disposable sanitary items during her lifetime.

Clothes

Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay

If you are needing some new clothes, it is so easy to buy clothes from shops which don’t consider the environment in their clothing production. This process involves energy consumption, the use of toxic chemicals, the use of land and natural resources, and the use of water.

Instead of buying new clothes from places that don’t consider the environment, you could:

  • Upcycle items you already own
  • Make your own clothes
  • Organise a clothes swap party, or attend one
  • Buy second hand, from a charity shop or similar
  • Buy new clothes from an eco-friendly shop, such as People Tree

Don’t forget to wash your clothes on as low a temperature as possible and hang your clothes up to dry rather than using a tumble dryer. Also consider which laundry detergent you use.

Featured image credit: Pixabay

9 Tips for a Zero Waste Kitchen

The concept of ‘zero waste’ can seem daunting, especially if it is new to you. We live in a country which has for too long relied on disposable items for help in carrying out many everyday tasks. This is especially true in the kitchen, where we are faced with frequent use of cling film, plastic bags, egg boxes and kitchen towel, amongst other items. If you are wanting to explore a zero waste lifestyle, or start your waste-free journey, your home kitchen is an excellent place to begin making changes.

Why Zero Waste?

In a nutshell, the less waste the better – for the environment, and also for your pocket! Waste which gets sent to landfill creates greenhouse gases, which is terrible news for the environment, and leads to global warming. There are also other major concerns linked to this, such as the impact of the waste on wildlife, who ingest waste or get tangled up in it.

Total zero waste is a huge challenge, but even just attempting one of the below tips could start you off on your path to a zero waste lifestyle. You’ll probably find that once you start being mindful of these things, it is impossible to switch off from it – wherever you are, and whatever you are doing! And that is great news for the environment, and also, you will find, for your pocket.

9 Zero Waste Kitchen Tips:

  • Swap disposables for reusables

Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay

This means swapping out kitchen paper for a reusable cloth, sandwich bags for reusable containers, paper napkins for cloth ones (perhaps made from old fabric), and cling film for a plate lid or homemade linen food covers.

For food storage in the kitchen, use glass containers such as Mason jars, which can be reused for years and years.

  • Say goodbye to plastic bags

You don’t need plastic bags in your home, even if you think you do! Stop using them in your bins; just use the bin without, and wash it. If you usually reuse your plastic bags for supermarket or other shopping, invest in a cloth bag or bag for life instead.

  • Embrace tap water

tap-water
Don’t fear the tap! Image credit: Pixabay

You don’t need to buy bottled water. Tap water is generally fine, but if you aren’t so keen on the taste of yours, add something to it, such as a squeeze of lemon or a slice of apple. Not only will it taste nicer, but you’ll be adding nutrients too.

  • Buy in bulk

Buying in bulk means a lower product to packaging ratio, which can only be a good thing when it comes to waste reduction.

If you’re visiting a specific bulk buy outlet that sells food products from large bins, take containers with you from home, such as jars and cloth bags, so you don’t require any packaging there.

  • Find new uses for food waste

Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay

Coffee grounds are great for keeping ants at bay, over-ripe bananas are perfect for baking, and spring onions regrow in a jar with some water. Get imaginative with your food waste, and you’ll be surprised at what you can reuse.

  • Create less food waste

By scrubbing some vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, instead of peeling them, you will be preserving more nutrients and also stopping the scraps from becoming waste. Win-win!

  • Create a compost bin

Whilst this could be argued to not be ‘zero waste’, I am including it, as it is good for the environment, and an excellent option for the few food scraps you will be producing when living a low-waste lifestyle. Some non-food items can also be added. Our guide to creating your own compost pile can be found here.

  • Prepare lunches at home

Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay

Food on-the-go tends to cause many problems with waste packaging, so why not prepare your work day and school lunches at home, and save waste as well as money? You’ll also no doubt be eating food that is of higher nutritional value, and generally better for you!

Try a lunch box with various compartments, so you can carry several food types whilst keeping them separate – and without using foil or cling film. Don’t forget a reusable bottle for your drinks, too.

  • Minimise gadget numbers

Do you really need that new spiralizer? Kitchen gadgets are often faddy or end up breaking, which then leaves you with waste. Remember that when it comes to cooking, Google is your friend, and will often provide you with alternative methods of doing kitchen tasks without the need for a specific (and often expensive) gadget.

Featured image credit: Pixabay

Are You Ready for National Zero Waste Week 2015?

What is National Zero Waste Week 2015?

zero-waste-week-logo-pledge

Zero Waste Week is a week in September which focuses on protecting the environment through sending no waste to landfill. The 2015 theme is ‘reuse’, which is great as it will help people realise that by reusing items, we are benefiting the environment and our purse/wallet.

This video explains National Zero Waste Week really well:

Ideas for your Zero Waste Week pledge

What will you pledge to do for NZWW 2015 – at home, or at work with your colleagues?

If you’re an individual, you could try:

  • Preparing all your lunches at home for the week (not buying packaged lunches)
  • Commiting to using only reusable carrier bags – no plastic bags
  • Repurposing all glass items you use in that week
  • Repurposing all tin cans you use in that week
  • Using a refillable cup for coffee shop drinks
  • Using a washable alternative to facial wipes or cotton wool for make-up removal, such as a flannel or reusable eco cotton pads
  • Using reusable and washable cloths for cleaning rather than paper towels or other ‘disposables’

Image of a disposable coffee cup and macaroon box
Image credit: Pixabay

At work, you could try:

  • Preparing your lunches at home
  • Using a refillable cup each for coffee shop drinks
  • Reusing any paper that is printed out: utilise both sides instead of just one
  • After shredding confidential documents, reuse the shredded paper – it can be used for packing items up, or as cat litter or animal bedding
  • Reuse all jiffy bags and boxes you receive deliveries in
  • Setting up a compost bin for fruit peel, coffee grounds, tea bags, etc., which staff members can then take home for their garden
  • Switching to a fabric hand towel instead of paper towels

Image of shredded paper
Image credit: Pixabay

What do Forge Waste & Recycling already do to reduce waste to landfill?

We are committed to helping the environment, and as a company who collect around 200 tonnes of waste per week, we don’t send any to landfill. Anything that can be recycled, is, and any leftover waste is turned into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), which is then used to create electricity.

Even our plastic waste collection bins are recycled; when they are no longer fit for use, we remove the wheels and the plastic is shredded and granulated to produce other high quality items.

Of course, in an ideal world there would be nothing to recycle, but in 2015 there is still a lot of work to be done on this issue. This dedicated week is a great help though, so why not get involved?

What will Forge Waste & Recycling be pledging for Zero Waste Week 2015?

When we gave this some thought, we realised everyone in our office has been drinking bottled water to keep hydrated in the hot weather. Whilst we, of course, recycle these bottles, we know we need to eliminate them completely. So we pledge to reuse all of the plastic bottles we currently have for as long as possible, and not buy any more – ever!

plastic-water-bottles
Image credit: Pixabay

Where can I find out more?

If you’d like to know more about Zero Waste Week, the official website is here. The couple who run it have their own brilliant website too, which can be found here – take a look for year-round hints and tips on living waste free. Small changes can make a big difference if we all work together. Let’s be Zero heroes! What will you pledge this September?

Featured image credit: Pixabay