save the environment

Jan

2023

Sorting Plastics for Recycling

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Sorting plastics for recycling is one of the many ways that we can help lessen the negative impact that it has on our environment. Consumer goods are ever increasing in the market and different kinds of plastics are the go-to containers for them. So, it is important that we know what kind of plastics we are bringing into our homes; to make it easier for us to identify them for recycling. It is one of the easiest way to taking your first step towards environmental wellness.

Common Uses of Plastic

A plastic water bottle is the most common item that comes to mind when we talk about recycling plastic. But there are different types of plastics that we use in our everyday life and a lot of these plastic items can be recycled.

LDPE film (stretch wrap, sheet film, clean plastic bags)
PET pallet banding
Big bags
PP/PE packaging
Kraft Poly-lined bags (the kraft is paper)
Plastic drums and buckets
HDPE belting and tooling
Various PPE gear

Types of Plastic

Plastic producers use a numeric resin identification coding (RIC) system to determine the polymers or resin used in them. Not all plastics have resin in them but this coding system help make them easier to identify for recycling. You will usually see this code at the bottom of bottles or at the bottom corner of other plastic items.

1 PETE – Plyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE): water bottles
2 HDPE – High Density Plyethylene (HDPE): milk bottles, bags
3 PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): juice bottles, cling wrap
4 LDPE – Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): squeezable bottles
5 PP – Polypropylene: yogurt cups, plasticware
6 PS – Polystyrene (PS): egg cartoons, packing peanuts
07 O – Other: Often Polycarbonate or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), bottles, auto body parts

Even though not all plastics contain resin codes; it is important t still sort them because they can still be reused. Sorting plastic by their type also helps to reduce contamination during recycling so that they can be recycled properly. Remember to wash them thoroughly with soap and water and dry them before taking them to a recycling center.

Don’t forget that electronic gadgets have plastic parts too but they contain more chemicals than household plastics. There is a proper way to dispose of electronic wastes that we should follow for these items.

In the meantime, there are simple things you can do to help reduce environmental pollution. Of course, it also helps to be aware and to avoid actions that end up further damaging the environment.

Feature Image: Original Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash.

Jun

2021

Why Buy Antique and Vintage Items

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Why buy antique and vintage items?

My interest with anything antique and vintage started more than a decade ago. We just moved into our new house then. We needed to buy all the necessary appliances and furniture to make it livable. Unfortunately, we had to do this on a limited budget. Thankfully, a friend of ours was moving house and her family were trying to dispose of some of their old furniture, one of which was a 1920’s Art Deco dining table made of narra. For those who are unfamiliar with narra; it is a type of hard and heavy wood endemic to Southeast Asia, North Australasia and islands in the west of the Pacific Ocean.

They sold the table to us for about $200 US dollars. Anyway, to cut the long story short, we used that table for 5 years. Imagine my surprise when after 5 years of using it, we were able to resell that table at US$500, which was more than twice the original amount. In a world where furniture is considered a depreciable property, obviously, this is not always the case. There are furniture out there that can actually appreciate in value over time.

You might probably argue that we got the table for a bargain because we bought it from a friend. That may be true, however, during the course of time, we were able to duplicate this scenario not only with furniture but also with other antique or vintage items such art works, jewelries, luxury watches and even classic designer items that we have purchased since then.

Antique vs Vintage vs Retro

What is the difference between antique, vintage and retro? While all three items are considered old, the main difference among them lies in the age of the items. To be considered an antique, that item needs to be at least 100 years old.

Vintage items are generally much younger. Any item more than 30 years old is already considered vintage. Since different decades have different characteristics; normally, the year always has to follow when describing something as vintage. For example, my car is a vintage 1953.

Retro on the other hand are those out-of-date items or something just from the recent past.

Generally, the older the item, the more expensive it is. That is why collecting antiques is a luxurious hobby that only the affluent can afford. The wealthy almost always include antique and vintage items as part of their investment portfolio. For those who are just starting to invest, vintage items are a good starting point.

And this leads us to the first reason why you should buy antique or vintage items.

1. Investment

If you can afford to buy antique items, then do so. For those who are just starting to invest, vintage items are a good alternative. A carefully chosen item can turn into a treasured heirloom. If you own it long enough, there is a big probability that you will receive big money for it in the future. Thus, a great number of people buy it as a form of long-term investment.

As opposed to buying new items or furniture that will depreciate in value over time, why not opt for something that you can not only use but also appreciates in value ? The value of a piece depends not just on quality but also its exclusiveness and rarity. New items can always be produced by demand but that is not the case for antique and vintage items. There is always an unmet demand.

Aside from the investment component, there are other reasons why you should buy antique or vintage items.

2. Authenticity

We now live in an era where counterfeit goods are everywhere. Almost all products such as food, watches, medicines, cosmetics, and leather goods have counterfeit versions. In fact, according to the latest report of the International Chamber of Commerce, counterfeit goods are now a US $2.3 trillion industry.

Just to keep up with the Joneses, more and more people are now buying fake goods. Although tempting because they cost less than the original, these goods are inferior in quality and sometimes harmful. With antique and vintage items, you are sure that what you are buying are authentics. So, why settle for a reproduction when you can have the real thing?

3. Craftsmanship

In the old days, there were still no cellphones, no TV, no ipad, no internet, etc…so people had a lot of time on their hands. So, they take extra care in creating something beautiful. Attention to detail is highly valued. Most of these items are carved, cut and polished by hand and not made by machines. Thus, they are considered works of art. Focus on items then is on quality rather than quantity.

4. Uniqueness

All antiques and some vintage items were created during the time when mass production was still unheard of. So, each piece is unique, original and one-of-a-kind. Imagine owning or wearing something that no one else in the world owns?

This is just one of the reasons why many celebrities are such big fans of vintage clothing. Remember the black and white vintage Valentino dress that Julio Roberts wore at the 73rd Academy Awards way back in 2001 when she won the best actress for Erin Brockovich? Up until today, that vintage Valentino is still considered one of the most iconic Oscar dresses of all time.

With vintage clothing, you don’t need to worry about walking into a room and seeing another person wearing the same thing as you. When people walk up to you to compliment your clothes or accessories for example and ask you where you bought it, you can say, “It’s vintage.” How cool is that?

This is just one of the reasons why many celebrities are such big fans of vintage clothing. Remember the black and white vintage Valentino dress that Julio Roberts worn at the 73rd Academy Awards way back in 2001 when she won the best actress for Erin Brockovich? Up until today, that vintage Valentino is still considered one of the most iconic Oscar dresses of all time.

With vintage clothing, you don’t need to worry about walking into a room and seeing another person wearing the same thing as you. When people walked to you to compliment your clothes or accessories for example and asked you where you bought it, you can say, “It’s vintage.” How cool is that?

5. History

Every piece of antique and vintage item has its own place in history. It served as witness of an era wherein we can only imagine. Each piece served as a wonderful opportunity to interact with the past. It gives a deeper appreciation of history and a priceless knowledge of the people who lived then. By owning one, you actually become a part of that history.

6. Eco-friendly

Patronizing antique and vintage items is actually one way to help the environment. These items do not cut down new trees nor do they contribute to industrial pollution. By buying and restoring them, you are actually recycling and reusing old items and thus contributing to sustainable development.

7. Value for Money

Although antique and vintage items are generally more expensive than their modern counterparts, you will definitely get your money’s worth. Aside from its quality, the fact that it is still being sold up to this day is already proof of its durability and quality. Its value more often than not appreciates over time. So, you always have the option of reselling it later on. The same cannot be said with modern items for their values depreciate over time.

And besides, not all antiques and vintage items are expensive. You can always find bargains at yard sales and flea markets as long as you enjoy the thrill of hunting for good finds.

8. Accent and Conversation Piece

Because of their uniqueness, antique and vintage items can serve as accent pieces both in fashion and interior design. You can actually mix antique and vintage with modern furniture. By mixing the old and the new, you will achieve that modern look but with a touch of old-world charm.

Take a look at the photo below. The contemporary interior design was accentuated by mid-century vintage items like the lounge chair, chandelier, coffee tables and stand light.

Moreover, since every item has a story, it can also be an interesting topic of conversation. Whether it has been passed down from generations or it is part of your collections, whatever it is, it tells something about you.

9. Heirloom

Because of its intrinsic and personal value, antique and vintage pieces can be passed down to your family from generation to generation.

10. Heritage Conservation

And lastly, by patronizing antique and vintage items, you are actually partaking in the preservation of heritage items for the future generations to appreciate.

Photo by NEOSiAM 2021 from Pexels

Updated version. First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 22.04.2019

Apr

2021

Simple Ways To Help Save the Planet

Reading Time: 3 minutes

There are simple actions that we do each day that are harming the environment. Remember that we only have one planet, if we are not going to take care of it, who else will? The good news is that all of us have the power to if not reverse at least stop further damage to the earth. We only have to do it together. Every action counts. Here are simple ways to help save the planet:

1.Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The best way to save the environment is to reduce the waste being produced. We can do this by reusing items instead of throwing them after a single use. Household items that we can reuse include boxes, containers, glass jars, papers, plastic bags, plastic spoons and forks and many other household items. To recycle means using items for a different purpose instead of discarding them right away. Items that be recycled include clothes, plastic containers, newspapers, steel cans and food wastes.

2.Buy Organic Products

Organic farming benefits the environment. It helps reduce pollution and soil erosion. It also conserves water and increases soil fertility. In addition, organic farming uses 45% less energy compared to regular farms. Thus, by purchasing organic products especially in your local community; you are actually doing your share in helping the planet.

3. Conserve Water and Energy

Conserving water can keep the water pure and clean. It also minimizes the effect of water shortages. It also helps reduce your household expenses. There are many ways to conserve water at home. You can do simple things like:

Turning off the water when not in use
Checking toilets and faucets for leaks
Using dishwashers and washing machines only in full load
Watering the plants during cool parts of the day

Likewise, energy conservation is also important for the environment. Reducing energy consumption can help lessen air pollution. There are many ways to reduce energy consumption at home. You can do things like:

Turning off lights when not in use
Washing clothes in cold water
Unplugging unused electronics
Using LED lights

4. Go Paperless

Going digital has a lot of advantages. Not only does it improve efficiency, it also saves money. In addition, it also gives you access anytime wherever you may be. An added bonus, it is good for the environment too.

5. Patronize Eco-Friendly Companies

Many companies out there already started with their environmental initiatives. As consumers, you can help the environment by supporting environmentally-friendly and sustainable products. At the same time, boycott brands that are not helping the environment at all.

6. Plant a Tree

Trees give us oxygen. They also purify the air by storing the harmful carbon dioxide. They prevent soil erosion and maintain humidity levels. Trees also provide shelter for wildlife. The human race will not be able to survive without plants and trees. However, it is a fact that there is massive deforestation happening right now. So, we must help by planting a tree. You can plant a tree in your backyard. You can also join tree planting activities. If planting is not your thing, you can just donate and have others plant the tree for you.

7. Segregate Wastes

Poor waste management results in land, air and even water pollution. Combined with hazardous materials, the trash that we throw is not only harmful to the environment but detrimental to our health as well.

8. Use Your Voice

You don’t need to be active in any environmental organization to be an environmentalist. You can actually use your voice to talk and influence your family, friends. neighbors and colleagues. Speak up and make your voice heard by the people around you.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Apr

2021

Simple Actions That Damage the Environment

Reading Time: 3 minutes

We only have one earth. If we are not going to take care of it, who else will? Without the environment, how do we expect to live as human beings? Everything needed for our survival all came from nature – from the food that we eat, the air that we breathe and the water that we drink. Yet, despite knowing all these things, humans abused the environment by polluting its water and air. Whether intended or not, be aware that there are simple actions that damage the environment.

1.Buying Fast Fashion

Defining your personal style does not not necessarily mean that you have to follow and buy all the trend. Being stylish should not be at the expense of the environment. According to the UN Environment Program, the fast fashion industry is responsible for 20% of the world’s wastewater. It is also responsible for the release of half a million tons of synthetic microfibers in the ocean each year.In addition, it is also responsible for almost 10% of global carbon emissions, which is more than maritime shipping and flights combined. Fast fashion pertains to cheap clothing produced by mass-retailers rapidly to cope up with trends.

2.Drinking From Bottled Water

According to The World Counts, more than 100 million bottles of water are used everyday. And out of this number, only one in 5 gets recycled. The rest ends up as waste in landfills or thrown in the ocean. This is huge problem because it will take about 700 to 1000 years for a single bottle to decompose. That’s not counting the energy used to manufacture the bottles.

3.Driving

Emissions from driving is one of the main contributors of global warming. Vehicles emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases absorb and trap heat and energy producing the greenhouse effect. This results in the warming of the planet surface thus, increasing the temperature on earth. This causes extreme weather causing increased wildfires and disruption of the food supply.

4.Leaving the Lights On

The use of too much light increases energy consumption. Just like driving, the use of energy causes greenhouse emissions. This in turn contributes to global warming. So, the simple act of leaving the lights on when not in use is damaging the environment.

5.Leaving the Tap Running While Brushing Teeth

Running tap water while brushing teeth wastes over six liters of water per minute. If you do it twice a day for an average of two minutes per session, that’s more than 24 liters of water a day wasted.

6. Owning Several Pairs of Jeans

A study indicates that in order to produce a pair of jeans, about 2,500 gallons of water are needed from cotton growing, dyeing to manufacturing. That amount of water is equivalent to taking 104 showers.

7.Using Aerosols

Aerosols are a collection of solid or liquid droplets dispersed or suspended in the air. Factory smoke, hair spray, spray paint, insect sprays and room deodorizers are just some examples of harmful aerosols. When used excessively, they can be very harmful.

8.Using Plastic Straws

Single-use plastic straws (or any other plastic for that matter) are non-bio-degradable. Non-biodegradable materials remain as wastes in the earth for thousands of years because they cannot be dissolved by natural organisms. According to a report from the Trash Free Seas Alliance, the straw consumption of the United States alone is enough to circle the equator twice. In addition, plastic spotting are in 90% of seabirds and 100% of sea turtles.

9. Using Wet Wipes

Wet wipes are small fabrics of moist paper used for cleaning and disinfecting. It is so convenient to use especially now in the new normal where it becomes a substitute for the hand soap. However, did you know that wet wipes create fatbergs? A fatberg is a mass of waste matter that looks like a rock. It is a formation of flushed non-biodegradable materials such as wet wipes, cooking fat, condoms, sanitary napkins and other similar items. They cause blockage in the sewage system. The problem on Fatberg is now a huge environmental issue.

10.Wasting Paper

The process to create a paper is wasteful to the environment. For one, papers are made of trees. So to make a paper, you need to cut trees.As the global consumption of paper increases, this leads to one of the major environmental problems today which is deforestation. In fact, statistics reveal that about 42% of the global wood harvest is used to make paper. Second, paper requires twice the amount of energy to produce compared to making plastics. As stated above, energy consumption releases greenhouse gases which in turn leads to global warming.

Once paper is disposed of, it also leads to another problem which is paper pollution, which accounts for about 26% of total landfill wastes.

Oct

2020

Proper Disposal of e-Wastes

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Do you have any broken or obsolete batteries, charges, and other electronic devices in your home? If you do, did you know that by keeping them in your house you are putting your health at risk? As the world moves towards digitalization, eWastes had become a growing problem. Everyone on the planet should do their share. Knowing the importance of proper disposal of e-Wastes would help mankind.

In a study done in Australia, 1 out of 5 respondents admitted to being hoarders of outdated electronic devices. About 2/3 of them stated that the main reason why they don’t recycle is that they are scared that their personal data might get compromised. Although the study was done in Australia, for sure many people also have a pile of e-waste at home. If left undisposed, this might eventually grow over time. Whatever your reasons are for keeping them, it is best to discard them as soon you are no longer using them.

What is an Electronic Waste?

So, what are electronic wastes? Electronic waste or e-waste for short are that have no longer value. They are either broken or outdated. Examples include old cellphones and charges. So are lamps, microwaves and all other appliances. In short, anything that has batteries and cords fall under this category. Yes, even your AAA and AA batteries are e-wastes.

Why is it Harmful?

E-wastes contain toxic substances such as lead and mercury. If inhaled or exposed to; these substances can cause severe illnesses, organ damage or even death. Thus, their proper disposal is very important.

Effect on the Environment

Improper disposal of poses a great threat not only to our health but to the environment as well. According to statistics, only about 20% of global e-wastes are recycled. The rests are either destroyed through burning or dumped into landfills.

Air Pollution

When e-waste is warmed up much more if burned, toxic chemicals are released in the air. Not only will it damage the atmosphere, it could also lead to severe respiratory problems if inhaled.

Land Pollution

The toxins found on e-wastes are non-biodegradable. They will remain in the land for a very long period of time and will contaminate our food crops.

Water Pollution

If the heavy metals found on e-wastes found their way to groundwater channels, they will run to the surface of streams, rivers or ponds. This in turn will result to the death of living things, both animals and plants living on these bodies of water. It will also lead to contaminated water which in turn will cause poisoning to both humans and animals.

Proper Disposal of E-wastes

Before anything else, there is one thing that you should remember, that is to NEVER, EVER THROW YOUR E-WASTE IN THE TRASH!!!

Do any of the following instead:

1. Prolong Use Life

The best thing to do is to prolong the use life of your electronic devices. If it is broken, have it fixed first before buying a new one.

If your phone, computer, television or any electronic gadget is still functioning properly; ask yourself if you really need an upgrade? If you do, ask yourself why do you need an upgrade? If your purpose is just so you can keep up with the trend or you want to impress others, forget it! You might as well put your money on investments.

2. Sell

Why keep unwanted trash when you can make money out of it? However, don’t expect to recover the original cost of your device. After all, electronics are depreciating assets. Selling is just one way of disposing your devices and earn money at the same time.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
– English Proverb

Just a reminder, before you sell your cellphones and computers, make sure that you have backed up all your data and deleted them from your old device. It is best to reformat first before selling and restore to factory settings.

3. Donate

If the device is still working and you don’t want to be bothered by the hassle of selling your old electronic devices, why not donate them instead? By donating, you are doing three things at the same time. One, you are getting rid of your trash. Two, you are helping the environment because donating is a form of recycling. And lastly, you are helping other people in need.

4. Recycle

Aside from selling and donating, you can also recycle your e-waste by giving them to an e-waste recycler that is certified by the Basel Action Network (BAN), a non-profit organization dedicated in the pursuit of responsible recycle of e-waste. Find a certified recycler near you.

You can also contact your local government, civic institutions or the manufacturer of your e-waste for their recycling programs. Sometimes, you can find drop off points in malls, schools and offices for your e-wastes.

If you are in the Philippines, you can also contact eWaste Management (Philippines) to schedule a pick-up for your e-waste. You can also contact the E-Waste Project of the University of the Philippines.

Updated version. First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 02.18.2019.

Feature Image by Skitterphoto from Pexels.