Recycling soft plastic
Soft plastics are clearly unsustainable. However, they are nearly unavoidable. We can reduce and refuse unnecessary plastics. But when we acquire small amounts of soft plastic, recycling is a step in a better direction.
An app for recycling coffee pods, plastics and fabrics
I was glad to see resources that help people to dispose of their soft plastics in a (hopefully) sustainable way. The Curby program, founded on the Central Coast of NSW, is personified through a cartoon-style illustrated character named Curby the Bilby. Users can download an app and place dedicated Curby bags into the yellow bins.
Realistic sustainability in a era of zero-waste trends
We have all heard about the ideals of a completely zero-waste lifestyle. I try to reduce my plastic usage when possible. However, some soft plastics are either unavoidable or the lesser of a few evils.
I like my tofu. I am not aware of any local sellers that can provide plastic-free tofu. I buy my blocks of this soy product, along with the fermented variety called tempeh, in packaged products at the supermarket. I might buy them online when appropriate - again wrapped in plastic because that is the only choice. A zero-waste tofu would be great. But that is not accessible for everyone.
Here is a more grey-area example. I often buy clearance produce and baked goods so they don’t get thrown out. Some can be frozen to last longer too. However, these foods are usually packaged in plastic. It is a sad reality. I still would rather the foods are used. The discounts can provide real savings too (depending on comparisons). The lesser of a few evils may involve buying these reduced items and then recycling the plastic.
We can all strive to a circular economy
Each individual can find innovative ways to reuse, repurpose and recycle materials. We need to think about this for any materials that are around. How can you slow down the waste in your life?
