Waste is something that is becoming a much bigger problem for our planet to handle, and we reportedly produce over 2bn each year. Although authoritative bodies around the world have introduced schemes and initiatives to encourage recycling — most of our waste continues to end up in landfills; which is leading to severe consequences for the environment. This figure is also expected to grow to 4 billion by 2100.
There are many places where the waste ends up, most devastatingly, our oceans. According to some studies, 1.4 billion pounds of rubbish ends up in our waters each year which is having a profound impact on marine life — so much so, scientists have estimated that the amount of plastic will outweigh the fish by 2050.
Interestingly, almost all of the items we buy are thrown away within half of a year. Because of this, more businesses around the world are looking at more sustainable ways to create their products in a bid to help better the world that we live in.
1. Wasteboards: Skateboards
One company in The Netherlands is creating skateboards using plastic waste. Benefiting the environment as research has suggested that there are 20,000 plastic bottles are being bought every second, this forward-thinking company collect plastic bottle tops to create the deck of the board.
The company, Wasteboards, asks people to help collect bottle tops, and play their part in sustainability. As well as this, fishermen who use the canals in Amsterdam are also asked to collect as much as they can. One part of the appeal is that each board is handmade and molded into a design that creates an aesthetically pleasing product for a young demographic. This company loves the idea of being sustainable and being able to sell a sustainable product, so even if your wasteboard breaks — they’ll recycle the broken plastic and create you a new one!
2. Lush Cosmetics: Naked Products
Everyone has heard of Lush Cosmetics and their approach around sustainability. So much so they claim to be 100% vegetarian, promote ethical buying, fight animal testing, craft their products by hand and offer naked packaging products which is helping reduce the chaotic packaging crisis Britain is now facing.
As a society, we chuck away 200 pounds of plastic annually. 60 pounds of this is thrown away immediately. This has highlighted a huge problem and put great responsibility upon businesses internationally and through innovative design, Lush Cosmetics were able to develop several products that didn’t require packaging to sell. From shower gels to shampoos, there are plenty of naked products available. As well as this, all of the plastic used by Lush is 100% recycled.
3. Traidcraft Shop: Recycled Tableware
Ngwenya Glass produces glassware that helps the environment, most of which can be found on Traidcraft Shop, a fair trade product retailer. Originally set up as a Swedish Aid Project, Ngwenya Glass now trains over 60 people in the art of glassblowing to create one-of-a-kind pieces of ethical homeware. Every day, Ngwenya Glass prove that a commitment to protecting the environment can exist hand in hand with commercial success. All products are handcrafted from 100% recycled glass, sourced from throughout eSwatini by local people. Ngwenya Glass encourages communities to come together for clean-up days along main roads in the area to gather discarded glass. Most of the glass used to be soft drink bottles!
Glass gathers are paid by the kilo too. The business also works with local schools to educate young people in the importance of environmentalism and recycling and supports schools with building materials and learning resources.
Are there any creative ways that you could be reducing waste? Let us know!
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