Unless you’re buying recycled products, you’re not fully recycling. If you’re like most Aussies, you’re probably a keen recycler, but how often do you buy recycled products? Maybe more often than you think! Here are some everyday products that have been created from recovered materials:
1. Office paper
Some Australians have outdated views on the quality of recycled office paper, but when 130 people were asked to choose between a sheet of 100% recycled Planet Ark Paper and a sheet of virgin paper, almost seven out of ten were unsure or not confident enough to make a choice. Recycled paper in Australia is of such high quality now, you could be using it in your office without even realising. By choosing Australian made recycled office paper, you’re supporting green jobs in Australia, as well as reducing carbon emissions and the amount of waste paper going to landfill.
2. Toilet paper
Contrary to popular belief, recycled toilet paper is not made from used toilet paper (honestly, we have no idea how this rumour started!). It is, in fact, made from recycled office paper (the paper you throw in the recycling bin at work). Many brands have a 3-ply range and are of such high quality now, your bottom may not know the difference. Planet Ark recommends using FSC certified 100% recycled toilet paper.
3. Coca-Cola Australia’s plastic bottles
By the end of 2019, seven out of ten of Coca-Cola’s plastic bottles will be made from 100% recycled plastic (rPET). This includes all Coca-Cola brands across soft drink, water and juice, 600ml and under, such as Sprite, Fanta, Mt Franklin and NutriBoost. This will reduce the amount of new plastic they use by 10,000 tonnes every year. By setting this huge goal, Coca-Cola is raising the bar for the beverage industry and will hopefully inspire a mass move towards recycled materials.
4. Cat litter
We don’t blame you if you haven’t put much thought into what cat litter is made from. You might be surprised to learn that some brands of cat litter use recycled paper to make their pellets, which makes them highly absorbent. Buying cat litter made from recycled paper is a great way to lower to your carbon pawprint!
5. Eye glasses
Some forward-thinking brands see the world through rose-coloured recycled glasses. One such brand is w.r.yuma – the first company in the world to combine 3D printing and recycled plastics littered in their local river to create eyewear. Another brand making a world-first claim in the eyewear industry is Dresden, who make their frames from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic shampoo bottles.
6. Clothing and swimwear
Sustainable fashion is a growing trend that has attracted many eco-conscious fashion labels. More and more brands are opting for recycled textiles, including swimwear made from 100% recycled materials. Patagonia has even established a ‘buy back’ system, where you can trade in your old clothing for store credit. The clothing is repaired and re-sold on its second-hand clothing buying platform, Worn Wear, or the materials are recycled for new products if the garment is beyond repair.
For details on where to buy these products and for more surprising items made from recycled materials, check out the Recycled Products Directory on RecyclingNearYou.