I don’t think anyone would argue the fact that recycling is better than discarding altogether. Still, recycling items such as plastic water bottles, cardboard moving boxes, and glass containers require a good bit of energy. It may save unnecessary waste from finding its way into the landfills, but what of the natural resources required to generate the energy for the recycling process? What of the greenhouse gasses that are inevitable as fuels are burned to operate the recycling facility? Recycling may be better than throwing out, but when all things are considered there is still a better solution.
Yeah, you read that right. A green company just told you that recycling isn’t best. Now before you go getting all worked up into a tizzy, let me explain. Recycling is not a bad thing…it is a very, very good thing. In fact, ZippGo uses recycled plastic moving containers for its services. But we do not use a “new” recycled container every time a customer needs one. We use those babies until they simply are not serviceable anymore—about 500 times each, and only then do we send them to be recycled again.
That’s the key, now isn’t it? Why use all that energy recycling something when you can simply reuse it? As wonderful as reusing is for moving containers, you can reuse all manner of items. Consider the things you casually toss in the garbage or recycle bin and think of a better purpose for them.
Green Good vs. Green BEST
- Green goodness is reusing your plastic grocery bags as a means of storage or transport of other items. Green BEST is ditching the plastic altogether and getting a canvas tote that you can use and reuse for shopping or toting anything around town.
- Green goodness is passing your cardboard moving boxes on to the next family to reuse (if the boxes are up to it). Green BEST is renting reusable plastic moving boxes that last much, much longer (and we’ve got them right here at ZippGo).
- Green goodness is recycling your glass jars at your local recycling center. Green BEST is using those jars as storage containers for your leftovers, craft items, piggy banks, or a plethora of other small items.
- Green goodness is recycling your plastic water bottles rather than throwing them out. Green BEST is purchasing one sturdy water bottle to refill and reuse.
- Green goodness is recycling your used batteries in a safe way that doesn’t harm the environment. Purchasing rechargeable batteries is the Best option.
Is it starting to make sense? Good!
Get Greener by Getting Resourceful
Even the clothes on your back require energy to make. Shop around garage sales and thrift stores for gently used items and save both the environment and your pocketbook. Eat more raw fruits and vegetable to reduce the energy spent on cooking. Use any item you can until it is irreparable and then recycle it. That is ZippGo’s stand on the matter and it’s served us well so far, not to mention the good it’s done for the environment. Will you join us?