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Why Do We Need to Recycle Plastics?

Plastic is a relatively inexpensive and durable material, which is one reason it has been produced en masse during the past decades. A staggering 8.3 billion metric tons of plastics have been produced since 1950. Because plastic is a stable, synthetic material, it stays in the environment for hundreds of years. From the Great Pacific Garbage Patch of plastics floating in our oceans to roadways littered with thousands of bottles, bags, and everything in between, plastic pollution is a genuine problem.

In addition, because plastics are oil-based, an enormous amount of fossil fuel energy is needed to manufacture plastic products. The Pacific Institute estimates that in 2006 alone, over 17 million barrels of oil went into American consumers' water bottles, leading to 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, upwards of 4 percent of the world's oil is used to make plastics. A similar amount goes toward energy for the manufacturing process.

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Durat kitchen countertop
Photo courtesy of Durat

Plastic Countertops

While granite or marble countertops are certainly aesthetically appealing, they tend to be expensive. In addition, the mining and transportation costs associated with these products have a high carbon footprint. Recycled plastic countertops sourced from post-consumer HDPE plastic are environmentally friendly and durable. They can even look like their authentic marble or granite counterparts. Durat is one company that manufactures a unique, solid surface material that contains a large percentage of recycled postindustrial plastics. Their countertops come in over 70 color schemes, and you can custom order a specialized tint that matches your kitchen ambiance.

Mohawk EverStrand carpet
Photo courtesy of Mohawk Flooring

Plastic Carpeting

Another staple home product that can be made from recycled plastics is carpeting. Plastic bottles are melted down and stretched into long, strong, and durable fibers. These fibers are then spun into unique carpeting patterns. Mohawk Flooring specializes in manufacturing a unique carpet sourced from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Their EverStrand brand of carpet is made from recycled PET polyester fibers that combine sustainability, stain protection, and durability. Mohawk Flooring estimates that they have used around 30 billion plastic bottles to make their recycled carpet since 1999.

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Article By

Tobias Roberts

Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.

Tobias Roberts