What’s the fuss about closed loop?

Have you heard of the term ‘closed loop’? For those who have, here’s a quick refresh, and for those who haven’t, here’s all about the ‘Closed Loop’.

Currently, our society operates generally in an open-loop system, which involves consumer waste of produced goods ending up in landfills and oceans as waste. So, therefore, a closed loop system involves using consumer waste of produced goods to be recycled and used again in a different form or as a different product.

There’re different degrees of complexity when it comes to the recycling of goods, with some projects being a simple upcycle, while other projects are more complex. However, common examples would be used paper being recycled into coffee cups, or plastic bags being recycled into more plastic bags or plastic lumber used for play equipment.

So now we know what it is, why is it important?

A closed loop recycling system does all kinds of good for our planet. Notably, it reduces the amount of waste ending up in our landfills or polluted into our oceans, rivers, sewer systems etc. Additionally, by using recycled materials to make into a new good, less energy is used, also reducing our carbon dioxide emissions. Yay!

Recycling goods in a closed loop system also help reduce the number of resources used, which allows us to preserve and reduce the mining of the earth’s natural resources.

Particularly in the fashion and textiles industry, a serious amount of water is needed and used to create fabric (we are talking multiple Olympic swimming pools), consuming AND polluting our fresh water resource.

Here are some ways you can join in the loop and help keep our climate green!

  • Properly recycle your used waste goods, by knowing what can and can’t be recycled, and which bin the waste is to be popped in to. For more detail about recycling read our blog here https://www.creativesurrounds.com.au/recycling-what-goes-where.
  • Have a compost bin, where your food scraps can be turned into compost, which is perfect for your garden. Creating your own compost to be used in the garden is also a cheaper alternative to fertilizer.
  • If your clothes need repair, don’t toss them for a new purchase. Instead, dig out your old sewing kits and put a needle and thread to it. Similarly, you can pick up clothing that needs to be repaired, often at a discount. This helps ensure that no clothes are wasted (and you get a bargain too)!
  • Always use a ‘keep cup’ for your morning coffee bought at the cafe!

Now you know all about the closed loop recycling system, its time to join in.

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