Waste Free ’23: 10 Steps to End Plastic Pollution and Slow Global Warming
We CAN End Plastic Pollution and Slow Global Warming!
Empower communities, create jobs, and help save the planet with Waste Free '23’s step-by-step guide to a sustainable future.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Waste-Free World
This section houses all 10 steps in your initiative. The first infographic is Step 1, and future steps will be added as more infographics are released.
Step 1 of 10: Glass – Windows – Bottles
Key Takeaways from Step 1:
- Recycle Bottles and Glass: Glass bottles can be recycled and windows/ceramics can be ground to replace 10% of sand and 10% of cement in concrete.
- Environmental Impact: Cement manufacturing accounts for 8% of global GHG emissions. By replacing 10% of cement with recycled glass, we can eliminate nearly 1% of all GHG emissions!
What You Can Do:
- If You Have a Job: Request your government to only use concrete mixed with recycled glass. Ask your waste collector to sell all glass to concrete makers.
- If You Need a Job: Collect and sell bottles and glass. Grind and sell it to concrete makers or make concrete blocks mixed with Styrofoam.
Step 2 of 10: Food Waste – Manure
Key Takeaways from Step 2:
- Feeding food waste and manure to Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- This process eliminates waste, creates a valuable protein source, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Next Action :
- If you have a job: Advocate for policies that support the use of BSFL in food waste management and agriculture.
- If you need a job: Consider starting a BSFL farming business to process food waste and produce valuable products.
More links and actions: Learn more about BSFL, spread the word, and support local initiatives.
Step 3 of 10: Collection and Recycle PET Plastic
Key Takeaways from Step 3:
- 90% of plastic waste is not recycled.
- PET plastic can be recycled at home or sold to recyclers.
- Recycling PET plastic reduces plastic pollution and creates jobs.
Next Actions:
- If you have a job: Advocate for policies that support plastic recycling and reduction.
- If you need a job: Start a recycling business or join a community recycling initiative.
Step 1 of 10: Collection and Recycle Plastic Bags
Key Takeaways from Step 4:
- Plastic bags and wrappers are typically not recycled.
- They can be easily recycled into useful products like chairs, roofing, and tables.
- Recycling plastic bags reduces waste and creates jobs.
Next Actions:
- If you have a job: Advocate for policies that support plastic bag recycling and reduction.
- If you need a job: Start a business recycling plastic bags into useful products.
Got questions?