Posts Tagged ‘caroline fibre’

Four Benefits of Recycling Plastic

Plastic is inexpensive, durable, and lightweight, so it makes sense that it’s used abundantly in manufacturing.

Plastics are used to manufacture a staggering number of products we use every day – everything from food and beverage containers to trash and grocery bags and even children’s toys and diapers. But all this product has to go somewhere, right?

Each year, approximately 100 million tons of plastic is produced, and it usually ends up in landfills. When plastic is disposed of in landfills, it can take up to 1000 years to decompose. When burnt, plastic releases highly toxic gas. Keeping these things in mind, the best option for dealing with plastic is reducing the amount we use in the first place, and for the plastic waste we do use, it is essential that we are recycling.

Recycling is crucial to the future health of our planet, and here are four reasons why. Keep reading for four major benefits of recycling plastic.

It conserves natural resources and energy.

Tossing that plastic water bottle in the trash takes less than a second. Reusing it takes the same amount of time and has more benefits. Did you know that it takes twice as much energy to burn plastic as it does to recycle it?

Recycling saves energy by reducing or eliminating the need to make materials from scratch. Making products from scratch is labor-intensive and expensive. Using recycled materials instead of pulling new natural resources, manufacturers can make the same products with less energy and expense.

[Need some recycling tips for this coming summer? Click here!]

Recycling plastics saves so much landfill space.

Our American landfills are growing every day. Because they are so full, they take up large parcels of land which destroys essential natural resources. Waste dumps are also significant emitters of methane gas, one of the primary gases proven to be responsible for climate change. According to an article in EPA, “In 2018, landfills received 27 million tons of plastic.”

By recycling our plastic, we can help slow the rate at which our landfills are filling up and the number of greenhouse gases generated by them.

Helps protect ecosystems and wildlife.

Recycling reduces the need to grow, harvest, or extract new raw materials from the Earth. That, in turn, lessens the disruption and damage done to the natural world: fewer forests cut down, rivers diverted, wild animals harmed or displaced, and less pollution of water, soil, and air.

And of course, if our plastic waste isn’t safely put in the recycling, it can be blown or washed into rivers and seas and end up hundreds or thousands of miles away, polluting coastlines and waterways and becoming a problem for everyone.

Our oceans are in trouble, and the numbers are astounding. According to National Geographic, “there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Of that mass, 269,000 tons float on the surface, while some four billion plastic microfibers per square kilometer litter the deep sea.”

Reducing climate-changing carbon emissions.

Because recycling means you need to use less energy on sourcing and processing new raw materials, it produces lower carbon emissions. It also keeps potentially methane-releasing waste out of landfill sites.

Reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere is vital for stopping disastrous climate change.

The truth is we need to get into the habit of using less stuff. And the things we use need to be reused before being recycled to minimize waste. Many people think that one person can’t make a difference, but when it comes to recycling, one person can make a huge impact. Recycling is a simple way to preserve our natural resources and protect our clean air and water.

With the services and facilities offered by Carolina Fibre, it’s easier than ever to jump on board with green efforts here in eastern North Carolina. Contact us today to learn more about our recycling services!

Fall in Love with Recycling This February – Five Benefits of Recycling

February may be the month dedicated to love, but it doesn’t have to be limited to your significant other. As a supporter of sustainability and an enhanced ecosystem, Carolina Fibre looks for ways in everyday life to show love to our earth and protect the environment. And one of our favorite ways is through recycling. 

According to a new report by the research firm Verisk Maplecroft, the average American produces 1,704 pounds of garbage per year, roughly three times the global average. These staggering number showcase that we need to fall in love with recycling. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, recycling has many benefits. Keep reading to find out about five more.

Increases property value.

Recycling promotes a healthy community and, in turn, can increase property value. 

Communities that recycle will reduce the need for local landfills. Landfills will lower property values because nobody wants to live near a garbage dump. The more you and your neighbors recycle, the fewer landfills your city will need. 

The little bit of effort it takes to separate and recycle your trash each week will eventually pay off big for everyone in the community.

Saves energy.

Tossing an aluminum can in the trash takes less than a second. Reusing a can takes the same amount of time and has more benefits. Did you know that it takes twice as much energy to burn plastic as it does to recycle it? It also takes 64% more energy to make paper than recycling and reusing it. 

Recycling saves energy by reducing or eliminating the need to make materials from scratch. Making products from scratch is labor-intensive and expensive. Using recycled materials instead of pulling new natural resources, manufacturers can make the same products with less energy and expense.

Recycling creates jobs.

Plants and industries are required for effective recycling. If we were to ramp up our efforts, we could create ten times more jobs than landfill management.

According to Eco-cycle, jobs are created in: 

  • Collecting, processing, and preparing materials. 
  • Making new products from recycled materials. Your recyclables then head to manufacturing facilities that use recycled feedstocks, such as paper mills and plastic manufacturing facilities. 
  • Reuse and remanufacturing. Some discards are sorted and fixed up to be used again through computer refurbishers, thrift stores, and auto salvage yards.

[Click here to learn how a recycling program can help your business and save you money!]

Ensures a sustainable future for all. 

There is only so much the environment can offer with its limited natural resources. Recycling ensures that we minimize the immediate effect on the environment and give it time to recover while creating sustainable habits.

Reduces air pollution. 

When companies choose to use recycled materials that come from paper products, plastics, and metals instead of using raw materials, they reduce the number of toxins released in the air. 

Many people think that one person can’t make a difference, but when it comes to recycling, one person can make a huge impact. Recycling is a simple way to preserve our natural resources and protect our clean air and water – and of course, show love to mother nature.

The Many Benefits of Fiberon Decking

Many companies worldwide recognize the many issues with the way we approach waste and recycling, so they are stepping up with innovative solutions. This new approach these companies are taking is pushing for positive change in their industries and inspiring hope for sustainability.
One company leading the charge of innovation is Fiberon Decking. Fiberon is a supplier of composite decking solutions. They design outdoor spaces that are not only created to sustain, but also to leave the smallest possible footprint. For almost two decades, Fiberon has been working to help those looking to create outdoor spaces, with quality and sustainable products made in the USA.
Beautiful outdoor spaces.
Fiberon takes great pride in creating outdoor living products that offer lasting beauty, maximum value, and easy maintenance.
Outdoor living is nothing without the outdoors and its natural beauty, so Fiberon incorporates eco-friendly materials and sustainable processes into everything they create.
Protecting the environment.
Fiberon’s amazing products are made from recycled materials, they source local recycled content, and utilize a closed-loop water cooling system for zero water discharge.
Their decking materials are made with locally-sourced recycled plastic, leftover sawdust, lumber mill scraps, and other materials. Each year Fiberon prevents more than 60,000 tons of plastic and other waste from ending up in landfills. Plus, Fiberon composites prevent further deforestation, do not contain the toxic chemicals often found in pressure-treated lumber, and are manufactured in a zero-waste process. Some other important facts about Fiberon and their processes include:

  • They are saving more than one million trees every year.
  • 100 million pounds of recycled plastic put to good use every year.
  • Manufacturing composite decking requires a constant source of water and they reuse almost all of it.
  • They reuse 98.5% of the waste from their manufacturing process.

Composite decking is cost-effective. 
While pressure-treated lumber may cost less initially, maintenance costs are significantly higher. Composite decking is a lot like prefinished flooring. It arrives as a finished product and never needs sanding, staining, or painting, just an occasional soap, and water cleaning. Wood needs to be finished after installation and then refinished every 1-2 years, meaning you’ll spend a significant amount of time and elbow grease maintaining that deck.
What’s more, wood decks are susceptible to mold, decay, weather elements, insects, and in general, have a shorter lifespan. Composites continually retain their good looks year after year.
According to Fiberon.com, maintenance costs with composite decking will be about $5-$15 per year, whereas wood decking will cost about $450-850 per year.
[Check out some more outdoor sustainability ideas here!]
Composite decking is safer. 
Wood-plastic composite decks will not splinter, split, crack, or rot, making your outdoor space safer for children, pets, and bare feet.
Fiberon decking looks just like wood.
Today’s composites genuinely reflect the organic beauty of hardwoods, complete with subtle streaking and wood grain patterns. And when it comes to color choices, you’ll find many more options to suit your tastes than with traditional wood.
As summer comes to a close, and the crisper temperatures creep into the Carolinas, start thinking about your outdoor space. Does it offer you the peace and joy that it should? If not, contact the experts at Fiberon today!
And for more tips on living green, whether outdoors or in, stay tuned to Carolina Fibre’s blog.
 

Carolina Fibre Staff Spotlight: Janet Tucker’s Sustainability Resolutions

As an eco-conscious company, Carolina Fibre is always looking for new individuals and companies that are ready to go green. The start of a new year brings opportunities to spread positive impact on the earth, lower costs, reduce waste and inspire others to be proactive in the cause. To kick off 2015, we are excited to share the resolutions and views of one of our own team members: Janet Tucker.
When Janet came to Carolina Fibre six years ago as our administrative assistant, we knew she shared our passion and commitment to sustainability. In addition to working as a team to save energy at the office, Janet uses her own tricks at home that everyone should adapt themselves! One way Janet saves energy is using a programmable thermostat for different times of the day (including leaving for vacations) to control heating and cooling output. Too few of us realize just how much energy and money we could save if we paid a little more attention to our thermostat usage. According to the Department of Energy, residential thermostats make up 9% of the United State’s energy use. That’s why leaving it on too high and for long periods of time results in high power bills. Janet is also in the process of replacing her bathrooms’ recessed light bulbs with plug-in LED units. The LEDs project a better illumination—they actually save you money. Her family also collects and stores tins, bottles, plastics, papers and cardboard to take to a local recycling receptacle each weekend.
Looking at her personal resolutions, Janet is very clear about her focus, “When it comes to recycling and saving energy, I believe awareness is the key. We focus on changing how we live in view of improving earth stewardship.” As for what she would like to see Carolina Fibre achieve this year, Janet is determined for the team to strengthen existing client relationships, continue to improve their processes and to prepare for the needs of their customers and clients for optimal company performance.
When it comes to being ecologically aware, Janet follows two quotes that bring so much meaning and purpose to her green lifestyle:

  • “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
  • “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it! Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Remember, going green doesn’t have to happen overnight. It’s about the little steps you take and the adjustments you make that will benefit you, those around you and the world we live in.
What energy saving tricks does your office use on a daily basis? We’d love to hear your ideas!