Top Recycled Gifts for 2010
What do we mean by recycled gifts? Well, we’re not talking about those gifts you received for Christmas and now want to pass on to someone else – that’s re-gifting (and not something that should be condoned!). Recycled gifts are presents you can buy which are produced using recycled materials.
As you head into the new year, it’s a great opportunity to evaluate just how eco-friendly you are and make changes to maximise your green potential. Recycling is something we can all be part of with very little effort, and that goes for giving gifts too.
Why buy recycled gifts?
We’re all familiar with recycling to a certain extent as two thirds of people now separate their recyclable waste into green bins. The latest recycling figures show a growing trend for more eco-friendly waste disposal. In the last five years the amount of rubbish sent for recycling has doubled with a staggering 33.8 million tonnes recycled since 2003. In terms of financial value, that’s £1.1 billion worth of materials reclaimed and £1.8 billion saved from sending waste to tips.
This is the start of the recycling process, but recycling isn’t just about one process, it’s a series of them. To fully recycle, we must buy the products that have been produced using the materials that we’ve made the effort to recycle in the first place. This is known as the ‘recycling loop’.
To ensure there’s a future for recycling, there must be a market for recycled products. So, when you’re shopping for goods, whether it be household or gifts, why not buy the products you’ve helped to produce and complete the loop. And when you’re done with them, send them off to be recycled again.
Recycled gift ideas for 2010
Christmas may be done and dusted but there’s usually someone in your life with something to celebrate so here are a few great recycled gifts you could consider giving.
Vinyl is dead and there’s an awful lot being sent to landfill so why not give the music lover in your life these great coasters, bookends and bowls which are made using genuine vinyl records.
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| Vinyl Coasters - Pack of 6 | Small Vinyl Bowl - Made from a single | Small Vinyl Bookends - Pair - Made from Singles |
In the past year, the UK recycled 3.3 billion aluminium cans and over two billion glass wine bottles. Why not complete the ‘recycling loop’ and buy recycled jewellery that uses recycled aluminium or glass.
Recycled paper produces 73% less air pollution than if it was made from raw materials so buy recycled stationery. For example, these notebooks are perfect for kids to use at school or for adults to use around the house.
