For those of us going through the motions of segregating our recyclables from trash do you ever stop to wonder when you’re rinsing the big plastic tub of laundry detergent, “Does this really get recycled?”, “Is my effort really making a difference?”. And short answer is still a weak yes, it technically does get recycled BUT not as we think it is. Most likely that plastic bottle will be DOWNCYCLED instead.

What is downcycling and what are downcycled items? Downcycling is recycling (plastic) waste with a weaker form of plastic as an output. Unlike other materials, plastic can only be downcycled a certain number of times until it becomes unusable.

Only 30% of these plastic bottles make it through the downcycling process while an astounding 70% will end up in our landfills still. 

And this is because:

• Water bottles are made out of flimsy, cheap PET plastic material. It was never meant to last, it was built to be cheap so water companies can profit more from every bottle sold.
• PET needs to be super clean and uncontaminated to be downcycled. Even if you do your part in segregating, somewhere in the trash management system contamination can occur. The fact it’s in the trash makes it unclean and contaminated…
• Not all states and cities have a proper recycling program in place. Sadly, people need to be incentivized to recycle or at the very least make it easy for them to do so. With a lack of solid, consistent city program, proper recycling/downcycling won’t happen.
• China has banned post-PET material to enter back into its borders. Because let’s face it, it’s unusable! So where does it go? Off to our landfills and waterways. Big ICK.

Bottomline, in the recycle vs. downcycle debacle, our stand is choose to refuse plastic-use! Have your own reusable bottle with you all the time so you won’t need to spend those precious dollars on flimsy single-use plastic bottles. Hot tip – national parks have phased out single-use plastic water bottles and have partnered with PATH for aluminum bottles as aluminum are infinitely recyclable.

For those in the market for a reusable water bottle (finally!), here are a few of our favorite brands with a purpose and a good cause behind it!

Ocean Bottle – works with plastic collection and clean-up groups to clean the waters from trash.

Larq – has a built-in purifier and anti-microbial properties, proceeds help fund clean water projects all worldwide. It’s the sleekest water bottle you’ll ever own!

Yeti – if you want a reusable bottle that will last a lifetime than Yeti is for you. Made to be the most durable and keeps your drinks warm/cold for hours of adventure. They advocates for “Keeping the wild, wild” with programs breaking down barriers in underrepresented communities enjoying the great outdoors.

Klean Kanteen – A Certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, 95% of Klean Kanteen products are made from certified 90% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel.

Hydro Flask – Has donated more than $3.7 million dollars in support of the parks that help us all feel happier, healthier and more fulfilled. Hydro Flask also has a trade-in and recycle program!

With all these said, remember you only need A reusable water bottle, not a multitude of different ones in different colors, so choose wisely! For more information, updates and news about plastic pollution, make sure to follow us on our IG at @humbleearthinitiative for daily content. Stay humble!

Source:

https://drinkpathwater.com/blogs/news/do-plastic-water-bottles-really-get-recycled

http://sites.psu.edu/rclcaggiano/2014/01/30/the-journey-of-the-plastic-bottle/