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Recycling: Getting Techie
RES (resin identification code)
What do those numbers on the bottom of my soda bottle mean, anyway? A key to the numerical system (resin identification code) can be found via Wikipedia. An alternate page can be found courtesy of the University of Southern Mississippi's Department of Polymer Science.
Downcycling
William McDonough and Michael Braungart, authors of Cradle To Cradle, have recast the way we look at recycling, illustrating how most of what we do is actually “downcycling,” or just delaying time at which, for example, a plastic bottle will come to a halt in a landfill (cradle to grave). These two innovators outline a system in which things are truly re-cycled in virtually endless loops; here's more from McDonough's site.
The Waste Hierarchy
is a useful metric for ranking the methods of material management.
Criticisms of Recycling
Recycling isn’t all green and gold. For common criticisms of recycling, see this Wikipedia page.
Safe Reuse
Reuse is the second cardinal rule of recycling, but make sure that what you’re doing is safe. Plastic waster, soda, and juice bottles and other plastic utensils aren’t made for multiple uses and can break down, releasing chemicals, especially in heat (like the dishwasher) and cold, (like the freezer).
The concept of the Product Service System
is gaining traction. Here the idea is explored.
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