SUSTAINABLE MARBLEHEAD: Save the planet with plastic circularity - Marblehead Current

Oct 30, 2024

Removing plastics from the waste stream and using readily available options for recycling helps us get the most we can from the material we use every day. This is referred to as plastic circularity, which means using plastics more efficiently by keeping the material in use for as long as possible. There are more and more options available for us to participate in this crucial sustainable campaign:

— Recycling standard plastics

— Reusing non-standard plastics

— Choosing non-plastic products

It remains critical to recycle standard plastics by placing them in your curbside bin or bringing them to the Transfer Station. As addressed in our Feb. 28 column, “The Surprising Shape of Marblehead Recycling,” all of Marblehead’s recycling ends up at the Republic Services Materials Recovery Facility in Peabody. Eighty percent to 85% of all material processed at this facility is moved along the recycling supply chain.

Non-standard plastics recycling options for Marblehead and neighboring communities are also available. MacRae’s Sustainable Goods on Washington Street in Marblehead, PlasticRecycled.com are excellent examples of local resources that offer the option of turning otherwise unrecyclable plastics into reusable products.

Non-standard plastics that can’t be recycled through Republic Services include “funky” plastics and plastic film. Funky plastics can be brought to MacRae’s Sustainable Goods, including caps/lids, bread tags, straws, Rx bottles, black takeout containers, food storage containers such as Rubbermaid and small bits of plastic. PlasticRecycled.com collects these materials from MacRae’s and turns them into products such as benches, planters and bowls.

Plastic film such as newspaper bags and mail packages can be brought to many grocery stores and other Trex partner locations. Trex is the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking and railing made of 95% recycled materials. Additionally, there are alternatives to bringing this material to grocery stores that may result in more successful plastic circularity. Obaggo (Obaggo.com) is one of these options and they recently exhibited at our Sustainability Fair. The Obaggo appliance compresses plastic film into compact disks that are then more easily delivered to Trex.

Where possible, it’s also essential to consider swapping your use of plastic products with non-plastic alternatives. When you bring your funky plastics to MacRae’s, spend a few minutes perusing their wide variety of swappable items. There are many great products available to reduce the amount of plastic you use. Also, bring your own or purchase a reusable container or jar to fill your laundry, dish hand soap without the typical plastic packaging. You’ll be glad you did.

Mary Ellen Miller co-chairs the Conservation Working Group of Sustainable Marblehead. Steve Miller, sustainable health science LabRenew founder, contributed to this article.

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