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Seas & Straws Spotlight, Issue #028 -- All About Recycling
September 10, 2024

In the issue: What is Recycling, What is Mechanical Recycling, Energy Recovery, Composting 101, Plastics Infiltrate our Food, Latest Environmental Updates, Eco-Friendly Tip of the Month



Hello there!

Welcome back to the latest edition of our Spotlight newsletter!

It’s been awhile and I’m thrilled to have you with us as we continue our journey toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Our mission is to provide you with actionable knowledge, inspiring stories, and the latest trends in environmental conservation.

This month, we’re diving deep into the world of recycling and waste management – essential practices that play a critical role in preserving our planet for future generations.



This Month’s Highlights:

Now, let’s dive into the rich content we’ve prepared for you this month.

What is Recycling - How It Works and Why It Matters

Get a clear understanding of recycling, why it matters, and how it’s a vital tool in addressing our growing waste problem. This post provides a clear overview of the recycling process and its importance in preserving our planet.

What is Recycling






What is Mechanical Recycling, How It Works, and Its Advantages

Delve into mechanical recycling and see how it transforms plastic waste into valuable resources. Learn about the technology behind mechanical recycling, including the processes involved in breaking down plastics and reusing them in new products.

Read the blog post here.






Energy Recovery: Turning Waste Into Usable Energy

Discover the innovative process of energy recovery, which turns waste into a valuable energy source. This post explains helps you understand how energy recovery complements recycling and contributes to a more sustainable waste management system.

Here's the blog post.






Composting 101: A Beginner's Guide to Sustainable Waste Management

Get started with composting! This beginner's guide will walk you through the benefits of composting, its impact on waste management, and practical tips to start composting at home. Get tips on what to compost, how to maintain your compost pile, and troubleshoot common issues.

Composting 101: A Beginner's Guide to Sustainable Waste Management






Plastics Infiltrate the Food We Eat

Explore the concerning reality of microplastics in our food. Find out how these tiny plastic particles are contaminating our food chain and the potential health risks they pose. Learn practical tips to minimize your exposure and make more informed choices to protect your health and the environment.

Plastics in Food






📰 In the News: Latest Environmental Updates

➡️ Unilever’s CIRCLE Alliance: In June 2024, Unilever joined forces with USAID and EY to launch the CIRCLE Alliance, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fighting plastic waste with a $21 million fund. Focused on empowering small businesses, particularly women in the global south, the Alliance is already showing results, with an 18% reduction in virgin plastic use by Unilever.

Read more.

➡️ Seal Deaths Linked to Plastic Toys: Tragically, plastic toys have been linked to a rise in seal deaths on the East Yorkshire coast, with 30 seals found dead over the past five years due to plastic rings around their necks. The Yorkshire Seal Group is advocating for the removal of these dangerous items from shops. Let’s support efforts to protect marine life by making sustainable choices.

Read more.

➡️ Teen Innovators Develop Microplastic Filter: Two teenagers from Texas, Victoria Ou and Justin Huang, have invented a device that uses ultrasonic waves to filter toxic microplastics from water. Their innovative solution, which can remove up to 94% of microplastics, has the potential to revolutionize water treatment and significantly reduce plastic pollution.

Read more.








♻️ Eco-Friendly Tip of the Month:

Make the Switch to Reusables:

It’s easy to overlook how much waste we generate through single-use plastics. Think about it: plastic bottles, bags, straws, and utensils are items we use for just a few minutes, but they can linger in our environment for centuries. The good news? We have the power to change that with simple, mindful choices in our daily routines.

Here’s how you can start:

Choose a Reusable Water Bottle: Instead of reaching for a plastic bottle, opt for a sturdy, reusable one. Whether you prefer stainless steel or BPA-free plastic, these bottles keep your drinks at the perfect temperature and help you avoid contributing to plastic waste.

Carry Reusable Shopping Bags: Keep a couple of reusable bags handy – in your car, purse, or by the front door – so you’re always prepared. They’re not only more durable than plastic bags, but they also make a statement about your commitment to the environment.

Switch to Metal or Bamboo Straws: Plastic straws are among the top items polluting our beaches and oceans. By using a reusable straw, you’re making a small but impactful change that contributes to cleaner waterways.

Remember, building a sustainable lifestyle is a journey. Start with one small change, be consistent, and watch how these efforts collectively make a huge difference!







💬 We Want to Hear from YOU!

As part of our commitment to creating a more interactive and engaging community, we’re eager to know what’s on your mind. Is there a particular environmental issue that you find troubling or an aspect of sustainability that you’d like to understand better?

Whatever it is, we want to know! Simply reply to this email with your questions, concerns, or topics of interest, and I’ll do my best to address them in future blogs and newsletters. Your input is invaluable to us, and together, we can explore solutions to the environmental challenges we all face.

Once again, thank you for being a part of our community and for your commitment to making a difference.

Warm regards,
Jana, Founder of Seas & Straws





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