More Than A Number

There are a wide variety of items manufactured by plastics companies today that are made at least in part from plastic that was recycled from other items. For example, plastic bottles that are recycled by consumers are shredded and then sold to other companies in the form of chips that have been sterilized. These chips are used to make everything from synthetic lumber for construction to the fleece blankets we huddle under in cold weather. Companies that produce items from recycled plastic, either through injection mold design or other manufacturing processes, tend to label their products as containing post consumer or recycled plastic. The public is much more aware of how important “living green” is these days and many people would prefer to promote the use of plastics that have been recycled rather than “virgin” or newly produced plastic.

Of course, the “life cycle” of plastics as it were largely depends on the type of plastic. A PET water bottle is much easier to recycle than acrylic sports display cases. One of the best things you can do is read up on the recycling policies in your area. You can also check to see if there are any environmental groups in your area than can provide you with some guidance. As a consumer, you have an important role to play in the fate of the plastic that you use on a daily basis. It’s important to do your part so that the environment can support the generations of the future.