Green Energy Iconic Symbols on Green Grass

Recent global events are diminishing the impact of recycling – but that’s good news, according to an article on the Medium website.

China has long been an importer of recyclable materials stemming from the U.S. But China is no longer accepting much of the recycling that was traditionally sent because of its high levels of contamination with non-recyclable materials.

Even without the changes in China, it’s time to rethink recycling because it can perpetuate an unsustainable system. Having a recycling bin can help to justify buying more stuff. Instead, the key is to start being more conscious of what we buy and to reduce overall waste.

By being more mindful, the overall population can reduce the amount of waste that is created. This applies to personal lives, but also within cleaning operations. When purchasing cleaning products and equipment, consider the waste that can be generated:
• REFUSE what we don’t need
• REDUCE what we do need
• REUSE what we can’t refuse or reduce and
• RETHINK recycling

Composting, on the other hand, turns food waste, food-soiled paper products, and compostable serviceware into nutrients for new plants to grow. According to a Facility Cleaning Decisions article, along with being good for the environment, composting also:
• Costs less than putting food waste into the landfill.
• Improves soil quality when the compost is applied to grounds care.
• Reduces the methane and nitrous oxide generated by landfills, two greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

Implementing a composting program can be a challenge for many building service contractors or in-house cleaning departments, but help is available. According to a Sanitary Maintenance article, including jan/san distributors in compost discussions can be exactly what programs need to get off the ground.