Proven Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Eliminate Plastic Waste
All Proven, All in Action Worldwide Today
1. Glass in Concrete
Glass that cannot be recycled can be ground and used instead of some cement in concrete. Since 5% of greenhouse gases (GHG) come from concrete manufacturing, this approach can reduce emissions by 0.5% and cut down on landfill material.
2. PET and HDPE Plastic Collection
PET and HDPE plastics are in demand globally. By adding a few cents subsidy for collection, people worldwide can be incentivized to collect and bring these plastics to recyclers. There are 16 billion hands capable of collecting this waste.
Image: Wasini Waste Free collecting waste for recycling at their Micro-Recycling Center.
3. Repurposing LDPE and Soft Plastics
LDPE and soft plastics can be transformed into useful products like roofing trays, trash cans, fence posts, tables, and chairs. This creates jobs and reduces the need for imported goods, especially since plastic waste is everywhere.
Image: Chair made from LDPE and soft plastics using heat press. List our upcycled product in Our Products.
4. Shredding PVC and Composite Plastics for Concrete
Shredded PVC and composite plastics can replace sand in concrete. Sand for concrete is often mined from riverbeds, causing environmental damage. Replacing it with plastic waste helps preserve these natural habitats.
Image: Shredded plastic being mixed with concrete. Visit this research article to learn more.
5. Turning Food Waste into Livestock Feed & Biodiesel
Organic waste like food scraps, manure, and some farm waste can be fed to Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL), which in turn produce livestock or fish food, biodiesel, and fertilizer. In just one week, a tonne of organic waste can be converted into $200 worth of products.
Image: Black Soldier Fly larvae after feeding of off organic waste (Credit: Sonny). Visit our overview article to learn more about BSFL.
6. Creating Biochar from Agricultural Waste
Leaves, nut shells, coffee husks, sugar cane waste, coconut husks, and more can be transformed into biochar using 100% solar energy. Biochar captures CO2 from the air and can be sequestered for less than $100 per tonne, while also enhancing soil quality.
Image: Biochar made from organic waste using solar power. Visit our article on ways to make biochar to learn more.
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