Disposal Instructions

Rinse thoroughly, Peel off any labels and Place in the recycling bin.

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HDPE (No. 2 high-density polyethylene), used in household cleaner bottles, is one of the easiest plastics to recycle. High-density polyethylene is considered one of the safest forms of plastic and is the most commonly recycled. It’s an excellent moisture barrier with excellent chemical resistance and is more stable than PET plastic. While HDPE is safer for food and drink products, it should never be reused for food or drinks if it did not originally contain them.

The plastic recycling rate in the U.S. is around 9%, with much plastic still being landfilled or incinerated. The complexity of the recycling system and challenges in sorting plastics are major factors. Therefore, it’s crucial to check plastic types and follow local guidelines for proper disposal.

Sustainable Actions

Use Refillable Containers or Make Homemade Laundry Detergent.

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Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 bar unscented soap

• 1 cup washing soda

• 1 cup borax

Instructions:

• Grate the soap into fine shavings.

• Mix grated soap, washing soda, and borax in a large bowl.

• Store in an airtight container.

• Use about 2 tablespoons per laundry load, adjusting as needed.

Benefits: This detergent is easy to make, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. It’s a great alternative to store-bought detergents, helping to reduce plastic waste and avoid unnecessary chemicals.

Environmental Impact

When You Skip One Bottle:

• Plastic Waste Reduction: 0.15 kg

• CO2 Emissions Reduction: 0.5 kg

• Landfill Use Reduction: 1.0 liters

Disposal Instructions

Ensure the aluminum foil is free from food residue, crumple it into a ball to prevent it from getting lost in the recycling process and Place in the recycling bin. if it is contaminated, dispose of it in the regular trash.

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Aluminum foil is collected, sorted, cleaned, and shredded before being melted in a high-temperature furnace. The molten aluminum is then molded into new products like cans or new foil. This process is highly efficient, allowing aluminum to be recycled indefinitely without losing quality.



Aluminum is one of the most valuable materials for recycling and can be transformed into new aluminum products in as little as 60 days. Approximately 60% of the aluminum produced in the U.S. is recycled, which uses 90% less electricity compared to producing new aluminum from bauxite ore, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency.

Sustainable Actions

Use Bee's Wrap or Silicone Food Covers.

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Alternatives to aluminum foil include Bee's Wrap, silicone food covers, and glass or stainless steel containers.



• Bee's Wrap: Reusable food wrap made from natural beeswax and cotton. It's eco-friendly, washable, and reduces waste by being reusable.


• Silicone Food Covers: Flexible silicone covers that fit various container sizes. They are durable, reusable, and help reduce the use of disposable products.


• Glass or Stainless Steel Containers: Highly durable and reusable, these containers can replace aluminum foil for food storage. They are environmentally friendly and keep food fresh for longer.

Environmental Impact

When you skip one sheet of aluminum foil,

• Metal Waste Reduction: 0.005 kg

• CO2 Emissions Reduction: 0.03 kg

• Landfill Use Reduction: 0.02 liters

Disposal Instructions

Place them in closed, structurally sound packages and Disposed of at a Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

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Many localities in Virginia are starting to offer collection services for fluorescent light bulbs. Check with your county or city recycling manager for more information. Some retailers, like Ikea and Home Depot, also collect compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which are sometimes called pig tail, corkscrew, or spiral bulbs. You can find additional drop-off locations in the learning section of this app.

Sustainable Actions

Switch to LED bulbs and recycle old CFLs.

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Since the mid-2000s, many households began installing CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) before LEDs became widespread. Even today, many continue to use CFLs due to the relatively higher initial cost of LEDs and a lack of awareness about their benefits. However, there are significant advantages to switching from CFLs to LEDs:


• Energy Efficiency: LED bulbs consume much less energy than CFLs while providing the same level of brightness, leading to lower electricity bills.

• Longer Lifespan: LED bulbs last significantly longer, with an average lifespan of over 25,000 hours, compared to around 8,000 hours for CFLs.

• Environmental Friendliness: LED bulbs do not contain mercury, making them safer for disposal and less harmful to the environment, unlike CFLs, which require special handling due to their mercury content.

• Instant Brightness: LED bulbs reach full brightness instantly, whereas CFLs may require a warm-up period.


Switching to LEDs from CFLs offers substantial energy savings, a longer lifespan, and environmental benefits.

Environmental Impact

When you skip one CFL,


• Waste Reduction: 0.05 kg


• CO2 Emissions Reduction: 0.2 kg


• Landfill Use Reduction: 0.1 liters