Dear Recycle Lady,
What is seaweed packaging, and will it replace some single-use plastic packaging? Hopeful
Dear Hopeful,
Seaweed packaging is slowly becoming an alternative to single-use plastic packaging. It is a non-toxic, chemical-free product that is safe, more effective, and more sustainable than plastic, especially in items that come in direct contact with consumers, such as cosmetics and food. The plastic liners on take-out food containers are being replaced with seaweed-based liners that break down when exposed to oxygen, thus reducing plastic waste. Seaweed grows rapidly and doesn’t require fresh water, fertilizers, or pesticides. It also absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Harvested from the ocean, seaweed is biodegradable, renewable, and compostable. After harvesting, it is cleaned, processed and mixed with natural ingredients such as cellulose or starch to give it more strength and flexibility. Since it is versatile and flexible, seaweed packaging can be molded into various sizes and shapes of sturdy boxes. Seaweed films and wraps are made for single-use food packaging, such as ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and sandwiches. As it is still in the early stages of development, seaweed packaging is more expensive to produce and is not as available as plastic. However, both cost and availability of are expected to go down as technology advances and production becomes more efficient.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Are perfume bottles recyclable? Can old perfume be poured down the sink? Smelling Good
Dear Smelling Good,
Perfume bottles are made of both glass and plastic, but only the plastic bottles can be recycled locally, and only if they are more than three inches tall. As with all plastic bottles, be sure perfume bottles are clean and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. One word of caution when disposing of leftover perfumes. According to wikihow.com/Dispose-of-Perfume, perfumes are made with strong ingredients and chemicals and should not be poured down the drain as they are made with potentially hazardous materials. No regulations currently exist for the disposal of perfumes; however, pouring them down the drain is not a good idea. Not only are the chemicals not good for the water supply, but the scent may also linger quite a long time! Treat old or unwanted perfume as you would leftover paint. Put the perfume in a container, mix it with kitty litter or coffee grounds to change the liquid into a solid, and put it in the trash. Although not recyclable, many perfume bottles are made of glass and can be repurposed. See Fragrance.com for 15 ways to upcycle perfume bottles.
Dear Recycle Lady,
I just read that oceans can have legal rights. How can that be? Confused
Dear Confused,
In 2024, the Constitutional Court of Ecuador ruled that since the water off the coast of the Pacific Ocean is a marine ecosystem, it has legal rights. Manta rays, sharks, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, underwater marine plants and corals all live in this ecosystem. Explaining that “oceans and seas are essential for the healthy functioning of the planet, the court affirmed that marine ecosystems have a legal right to maintain their natural life cycles, structure, functions and evolutionary processes. This includes having stable animal populations, water temperatures, and salt levels.” Bolivia and New Zealand have also ruled that marine ecosystems on their country’s coast have legal rights.
Good News! Non-compostable single-use coffee cups are now banned throughout Western Australia. Cafes can use compostable cups, and customers can bring in their own. With 500 billion disposable coffee cups used worldwide every year, this is a move in the right direction! (fto.com)
Have questions about recycling or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests to Recyclelady7@gmail.com. Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.
