Did you know that there are over 4.5 trillion individual CBs on our planet? Another fact: over 750,000 metric tonnes of CBs find their way into our environment every year, ending up in waterways and causing soil pollution.

With such disturbing figures, one would think that there’d be more of a spotlight shone on the environmental impact of CBs. But probably because of their size, people don’t even regard CBs as waste and often dispose of them carelessly – simply flicking them onto the pavement when they’re finished smoking.

There’s also a common misconception that CBs are made of paper and cotton. While there is some paper, cigarette filters are made of man-made cellulose acetate that takes at least ten years to fully degrade. Moreover, the chemicals released by CBs (including arsenic, lead and nicotine) are enough to actually classify CBs as hazardous waste.

Tackling CBs One Butt At A Time

Fortunately, someone is taking action to reverse this trend. Enter Code Effort, an India-based start-up that collects CBs and uses them as raw materials to create sustainable products like cushions, mattresses, accessories and even mosquito repellent.

Their story follows the tried-and-tested origin of a start-up: brothers Naman and Vipul Gupta saw a problem and put their efforts into solving that problem to make a better world. In their case, it was the unhealthy number of CBs in the city of Noida, Uttar Pradesh in India. They hunkered down and thus Code Effort – which stands for ‘Conserve Our Depleting Environment’ – was born in 2015.

Naman shares, “A common saying is that smoking is bad for our health, but I believe that this saying is incomplete. In the process of building a cigarette waste management and recycling industry, I can confidently say that smoking is not only bad for our health, but also lethal to the planet!”

The idea behind Code Effort is simple – collect CBs from around the city, drop them off at their factory and transform that waste into usable products. Initially, Code Effort placed special bins around the city to collect CBs. But to build the volume necessary for their recycling operations, they soon scaled up collection by partnering with various government units and institutions, incentivising people by exchanging CBs for cash.

But is Code Effort putting those who collect the CBs in harm’s way? It’s important to note that the company has taken several steps to educate CB collectors about the harmful effects of cigarette toxins. In addition to implementing practical hygiene and safety protocols, Naman insists that those dealing with the waste use N95 masks and gloves. This extends to their own factory, which is ISO 45001:2018-compliant and regularly audited.

Turning Waste To Gold

What happens next is the critical part of this programme – transforming these toxic materials into a safe and sustainable product. Naman shares, “Our closed-loop recycling process ensures 100 percent utilisation of the materials, has a net-zero carbon footprint and fosters a circular economy.”

Collected CBs are first separated into tobacco, paper and polymer. The tobacco undergoes a month-long process to break it down to powder, turning it into organic compost used in plantations.

The paper is ground to pulp, with binders, colours and fragrances added to turn the paper into mosquito repellent. Code Effort is also in the process of producing stationery and packaging material from this recycled paper. Naman says that they are even able to customise the thickness of the paper according to their customers’ needs – and that these papers are sustainable and sturdy enough to be recycled up to eight times!

As for the polymer, Code Effort treats the material with biodegradable and organic chemicals to remove its toxicity before using its recycled fibres to stuff cushions, pillows, mattress and even toys. To date, these cushions have been the bestsellers among Code Efforts end products!

Not A Social Enterprise

Since its launch, Code Effort has recycled over 1.2 billion CBs across India, thereby preventing toxins from seeping into 30 billion litres of water and offsetting 48 billion grams of carbon dioxide. It has been able to scale up its operations from Noida to now include the entirety of India, as well as partnerships in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Naman is also open to more partnerships beyond South Asia, either through the import-export of CBs or a technology licensing agreement. After all, CBs are a problem for the whole planet.

In addition to uplifting the environment, Code Effort has also uplifted the lives of countless people in its network including over 2,000 rag-pickers who collect the CBs and hundreds of local artisans who use the recycled materials to make the final products.

In this way, Code Effort has been able to go beyond its tech start-up roots to become a sustainable business, something Naman wants to underline: “Code Effort is a sustainable, rather than social enterprise!”

Find out more about Code Effort

See also: What Happens To All That Plastic We Try So Hard To Recycle

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As always, it doesn’t have to be that way, so here are some easy ways to make your next junk trip more eco-friendly:

1. Bring reusable cutlery

It’s not uncommon to see lots of paper plates, bowls, and single-use plastic cutlery on a junk. Convenient they may be, but imagine the impact they’ll have on the environment when they end up in landfill.

Instead, bring some cutlery from home (and maybe a few extra sets for your junk trip buddies). If you need a new set, try looking at Hong Kong’s zero-waste stores such as Slowood or Liv Zero.

2. Buy compostable cutlery

It can be hard to ensure that everyone brings their own cutlery and containers. As backup, why not order some biodegradable cutlery and containers in advance. A good platform to order compostable cutlery is Vegware, if you’re lucky, you might also find some compostable cutlery and plates at your local Park’N’Shop!

3. Use reef-safe sunscreen

Did you know that conventional sunscreen can be damaging to the ocean and our skin? Common sunscreens contain toxic chemicals such as benzophenones, parabens and other skin irritants, which are absorbed into our skin after just a single application. These substances are also toxic for marine life, especially coral reefs.

Instead, choose a good, eco-friendly sunscreen that’s devoid of chemical UV filters. Some of our favourites include Thinksport’s SPF50 Sunscreen and Drunk Elephant’s Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30.

4. Have a recycling system onboard

Without a system in place, it’s easy for recyclable and non-recyclable materials to be mixed up amidst the chaos that normally happens during junk trips. To put a recycling system in place, simply bring a few extra biodegradable large plastic bags, which you can use to separate food waste, plastics, glass, paper and non-recyclable waste.

Make sure everyone on board is aware of this system by either labeling the bags clearly or making a quick announcement before the fun begins!

6. Potluck and/or bring your own containers

Half the fun of going on a junk is the food, and while a lot of people like to order takeaways to bring on the junk, this often adds to the single-use waste. Instead, why not go potluck style and bring something in your own reusable container(s)? If you prefer not to cook, simply bring your own containers to the restaurants or bakeries you are buying takeaways from.

6. Bring sustainable snacks to share

Everybody loves a good chat with friends on deck, preferably with a glass of wine or two! However, conventional snacks like chips or chocolate bars can result in a lot of plastic waste.

Instead, stock up on snacks from your local zero-waste store or try making some of your own! Need some plant-based junk friendly recipe inspiration? Check out the recipes below:

• Peanut butter stuffed dates
• Baked carrot fries
• Fudgey vegan brownies

7. Do a mini beach clean-up!

The pandemic has led to a significant increase in plastic waste in Hong Kong. If you have a dinghy (or small boat) with you, it may be worth stopping at a nearby beach and doing a mini-beach clean up! This isn’t just a fun activity to do with friends – it also means you’ll be giving back to our oceans while spending your day out at sea.

8. Take your rubbish with you

Lastly, be sure not to leave any plastic bags, masks or napkins on the junk without weighing them down with something. From experience, they can easily blow away into the ocean while everyone is busy having fun, adding to marine pollution and potentially injuring marine animals.

Just like the hiking trails, it’s important to leave the beauty of Hong Kong’s nature untouched, so be sure to pick up after yourselves whilst still enjoying the day out!

Read also: 5 Sustainable Travel Hacks for Your Next Trip

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From 2-5 January 2022, you’ll be able to drop off your Christmas tree at recycling depots across Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, where it will be taken to Y·PARK (the yard waste recycling centre in Tuen Mun) and processed into various products by reusing, recycling or upcycling the trees into decorations, wooden furniture, wood art products, and more.

See the full list of Christmas tree drop-off locations

Trees that need to be dropped off before 2 January 2022 and between 6-19 January 2022 can be taken directly to Y·PARK during operating hours (9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday).

How to prep your Christmas tree for recycling

Only Christmas trees with a height of 2m and under will be accepted, and all lighting, stands, decoration and tape should be removed before delivery. The EPD also would like to encourage everyone to reuse their festival decorations as much as possible, and to replant their small potted plants such as poinsettias.

Everyone who recycles their Christmas tree will receive an e-certificate and a special gift while stocks last. What’s more – you will also get to register as a GREEN$ member, after which you can earn GREEN$ for redemption of gift items in return for recycling.

For more details on Hong Kong’s Natural Christmas Tree recycling programme, visit wastereduction.gov.hk

The post Where To Recycle Your Christmas Tree in Hong Kong appeared first on 8Shades.

Simply head to the recycling station, which is opposite the PURE Yoga on Wing Fung Street. Based on the machine blueprints from Precious Plastic, an open-source project based in the Netherlands, the campaign uses plastic conversion machines that allow participants to turn used plastics into new products to take home. 

Bring in your clean and recyclable plastics to receive reward vouchers from a variety of participating brands, including Green Common, Black Garlic, nood food, L’Occitane and Edgar. 

Rewards

Each plastic item recycled will earn you one star. Here are some examples of the rewards you can get for simply recycling!

• 10 stars = complimentary cup of coffee from Blend & Grind
• 15 stars = complimentary L’Occitane Pamper Kit
• 30 stars = complimentary bioplastic toothbrush with replaceable head and four weeks of solid toothpaste
• 60 stars = two HK$100 nood food vouchers

Types of plastic accepted

The station can collect and sort the following types of plastic: PET 1 plastic, which includes plastic beverage bottles and transparent fruit containers, HDPE 2 plastic, which includes dish soap containers, milk jugs and shampoo and body wash containers, LDPE 4 and PS 6 plastics, which includes coffee cup lids, fruit sleeves and single-use cutlery and PP 5 plastics, which includes takeaway food boxes and yoghurt containers. Just make sure that your recyclables are emptied, cleaned and dried before bringing it to the station.

Things that are not accepted

The campaign won’t accept PVC plastics (clear food packaging, tablecloths, electrical tape), Type 7 plastic (baby feeding bottles), packaging with food waste or grease on it, any kinds of plastic bags, chemical containers (nail polish), items that are made up of different types of materials other than plastics including metals, rubber and silicone (e.g. toys or snack wrappers) and items larger than 30cm x 30cm x 30cm. 

Save Your Plastics at Starstreet

The Save Your Plastics campaign hopes to inspire all of us to take small steps in our daily lives that will together make a big impact. The 2019 campaign saw the collection and sorting of over 26,000 pieces of plastic! The majority of plastics collected was Type 1 (PET) which included mainly beverage and water bottles, as well as plastic cups. 

Sign up here to register for the campaign, and for more ideas on how to avoid plastic waste, read our tips on eight simple, sustainable swaps you can make for single-use plastics.

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Turns out that the recycling symbol is in the public domain and is largely unregulated, meaning that anyone can use it to convince consumers to believe that their purchase is sustainable, when it really isn’t.

California recently made headlines for wanting to pass a bill that would prevent companies from using the recycling symbol unless they can prove that the material is in fact recyclable and used to make new products – as opposed to going to landfill. If and when it passes, it will be a huge step forward for recycling regulations in the US, but the fact remains that the usage of the recycling symbol is a free-for-all here in Asia.

The recycling symbol, also known as the Mobius loop, was created by a 23-year-old college student called Gary Anderson in the early 1970s as part of an art contest sponsored by a Chicago-based recycled paperboard company. Its three arrows represent the three ‘R’s: reduce, reuse and recycle, and its closed and infinite loop represents how each of the three stages are integral to the recycling process.

And as awareness about plastic waste grew in the ’70s and ’80s, oil and gas companies created a decades-long campaign to convince the public that recycling was the solution – alleviating their feelings of guilt and causing plastic production to soar even further.

Now, the ubiquitous recycling symbol can be found on most plastic items we come across, along with numbers that signify what kind of plastic it is and whether it can be recycled. But no matter how good our intentions are with recycling (aka. wishcycling) while we diligently wash, sort and separate our items, we can never be too sure where it’s going.

The fact is, only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced globally has been recycled – meaning that the rest of it is either in landfills, dumps or contaminating our natural ecosystems. Here in Hong Kong, only about 6% of all municipal solid waste (MSW) was separated out for recycling in 2018 and most of it is sent to landfill. And while we applaud ongoing efforts to boost recycling, both in Hong Kong and globally, it really isn’t the answer.

If you’re concerned about reducing waste and aren’t completely sure where your recycling is going, the best solution is to practice the first ‘R’, which is to reduce. Only by reducing your plastic consumption can you be completely sure that you’re not contributing further to our ongoing plastic waste crisis.

See also: 8 simple swaps for single-use plastics

The post The Truth About… The Recycling Symbol appeared first on 8Shades.

1.

Plastic Bags 

Plastic shopping bags and plastic bags aren’t usually accepted for recycling because the lightweight material can tangle or otherwise damage the machinery used in recycling centers. Plastic bags are typically made from Plastic #4, otherwise known as “Low Density Polyethylene,” which is very reusable but normally not recyclable.

The solution: Reuse your plastic bags and be sure to bring your own reusable grocery bags instead.

2.

Styrofoam 

Commonly used in takeaway boxes and cups, styrofoam is made from Plastic #6: Polystyrene, which is extremely difficult to recycle in Hong Kong and contains chemicals that are harmful to human health. Avoid using styrofoam at all costs!

The solution: Bring your own takeaway containers, or try to reduce ordering from restaurants that still use styrofoam containers.

3.

Cling Wrap

Cling wrap is often made from Plastic #3: PVC, which cannot be recycled easily and could contain carcinogens that leach into the environment. It also cannot be recycled in Hong Kong.

The solution: Swap cling wrap with reusable beeswax wraps, containers or silicon bowl covers.

4.

Disposable diapers

Unfortunately, disposable diapers contain too many different materials (paper, plastic, absorbent material) to be recycled – not to mention, they are completely contaminated with human waste. This makes them garbage that goes straight into landfill.

The solution: Look for more sustainable diaper options such as those made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo.

5.

Medical Waste

This might seem obvious, but needles, disposable face masks, plastic syringes and prescription containers are classified as biohazards and therefore cannot be recycled.  

The solution: When it comes to face masks, why not go for a reusable fabric option instead?

See also: 8Shades Of… Katheryn Pang of Green Sisters Creation

6.

Paper Towels

Try to avoid paper towels wherever possible – unused paper towels cannot be recycled because the fibres are too short to be made into new paper. On the other hand, used paper towels are often soiled with food or grease, contaminating the recycling process, so these, too cannot be recycled.

The solution: You’re better off using reusable cloths!

See also: 3 perfectly sustainable dish cloths for around the house

7.

Takeaway Coffee Cups

Takeaway coffee cups cannot be recycled because they’re coated in plastic, which is how they’re able to hold liquid without leaking all over the place. Unfortunately, this means that these cups will end up in landfills!

The solution: Bring your own reusable coffee cup to the shop – as a bonus, it may even stay hotter for longer.

8.

Chips Bags

Chips bags can’t go in single-stream recycling bins because they are often made from aluminium-laminated polypropylene, which cannot be separated by recycling plants.

The solution: Look for compostable packaging or get your savoury snacks from zero-waste stores where you can bring your own containers.

Follow us on Instagram (@8shadesofficial) for more tips on how to live a greener and more sustainable life.

See also: 8 Zero-Waste Stores in Hong Kong

The post 8 Things You Should Never Recycle appeared first on 8Shades.

The French fragrance house’s “ABSOLUTELY COMMITTED Recycling Programme” is now up and running at their three standalone Hong Kong boutiques in IFC mall, K11 Musea and Harbour City. With the brand already well-known for crafting scents that showcase natural and sustainably sourced ingredients, the new recycling scheme marks the latest step in their commitment to looking after the environment.

To recycle your Atelier Cologne bottles, simply return any of the brand’s empty product containers – ensuring they have been rinsed, dried and had their labels removed – to the special boxes located in the designated stores. You’ll receive one stamp for each container you return, with complimentary gifts redeemable for every two, four or six stamps you collect – giving you that extra incentive to keep recycling.

All the collected containers will be donated to homegrown social enterprise V Cycle, who work with businesses throughout the city to recycle waste and support the circular economy. Their recycling schemes also help to fund community programmes that enhance the lives of disadvantaged elderly and young people in Hong Kong, so it really is a great cause to support.

If you need further motivation to go green, Atelier Cologne will also be giving away a free 30ml refillable travel perfume bottle for every 100ml perfume purchased – encouraging customers to adopt reusable containers on-the-go rather than relying on disposable minis.

We’ll see you down at the recycling boxes soon!

Atelier Cologne locations in Hong Kong:

• Shop 1008, IFC mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2344 0770
• Shop B121, K11 MUSEA, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2872 5910
• Shop 212, Level 2, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2866 6970

See also: How do they make bags out of recycled plastic anyway?

The post Atelier Cologne Launches Recycling Scheme in Hong Kong appeared first on 8Shades.

8 Weeks 

8 Challenges 

8 Giveaways 

Click here to enter Week 4 and find out more now!

If you’re anything like us, you might be feeling a tad overwhelmed with the pressure to recycle but less of the know-how.

This week we are partnering with Everybody and Everyone for your chance to win their amazing “All Good Things” bag made from recycled plastic bottles!

Here’s Week 4’s challenge: Start recycling today by putting just ONE thing into the recycling bin this week instead of sending it to landfill. Your conscience will thank you.

Here are our top tips on recycling whether you’re a newbie, pro or total guru.

1.

TAKE THE WORK OUT OF REMEMBERING TO RECYCLE

Buy a dedicated recycling bin (or bins) and keep them right next to your trash can or in an accessible location that will remind you to recycle.

2.

IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO RECYCLE, START BY REMEMBERING THE ACRONYM, CAPP

C is for cardboard, A is for aluminum cans, P is for plastic bottles, and P is for Paper. Some of the best items you can recycle are those we frequently encounter: cardboard, empty plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and paper.

Did you know that recycling 2000 pounds of recycled paper or cardboard can save 17 trees, 1,400 liters of oil, more than 2 cubic meters of landfill space, 4000 kilowatts of energy, and 27,000 litres of water? Another fun fact is that recycling aluminum cans saves 95% of the energy to make new cans. Oh and lest we forget, approximately 80% of energy that is used to manufacture plastic can be conserved when plastic is produced from recycled plastic!

3.

DON’T RECYCLE PLASTIC BAGS!

Unfortunately, some items just can’t be recycled, plastic bags being one of them. Plastic bags often jam recycling equipment, and has even created work stoppages that can shut whole recycling facilities down. May this serve as a gentle reminder to move away from plastics bags once and for all and make the switch to reusable tote bags for your shopping. 

4.

KEEP CONTAMINANTS OUT OF THE RECYCLING

Always keep food and liquids out of your recycling. When food or liquid are placed in a recycling container, they might saturate otherwise perfectly recyclable paper and cardboard they come in contact with. This will make paper and cardboard lose their ability to become recycled. Watch out for pizza boxes!

5.

SHARPEN YOUR RECYCLING SKILLS; IT’S AS EASY AS 1-2-3

Check your local recycling rules– not all recycling programs work the same way. Some ways you can sharpen your recycling skills include: (1) recycle envelopes with plastic and staples, sort the plastic and metal later; (2) remove caps or lids from glass bottles and jars; (3) rinse steel and aluminum cans, it makes them easier to process.

6.

BE A GOOD EXAMPLE TO OTHERS IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD…

…Whether it be your kids, your roommates, or your family members. 

Those who see you recycle will follow your lead. Explain to them why you are throwing plastic instead of the trashcan. If you see items that have been thrown into the trash that should actually be recycled, help your housemates out! Chances are if they see you actually making an effort to go through the trash and sorting it out on their behalf, they may be less inclined to make the same “mistake” again. Hey, a little bit of guilt-tripping is okay, especially if it’s for the greater good of the planet.

7.

THE MORE WE REDUCE, THE LESS WE HAVE TO RECYCLE

This might sound counter-intuitive, but if you really want to take your recycling game up a notch, the best thing you can do is to reduce the amount that you buy, even if what you buy is recyclable.

Unfortunately, recycling doesn’t wipe the slate clean. Although the blue bin is always preferable to the trash can, recycling still requires a substantial expenditure of energy and resources, from collection, transportation, and the recycling manufacturing process itself. By reducing the amount that we buy – especially by going paperless or investing in higher quality items that will last, we can stop waste before it’s even created. If that’s not considered a superpower, it should be.

8.

THINK – REUSE FIRST, RECYCLE SECOND

Before you recycle an item, ask yourself whether it can be repurposed or repaired first. By consciously looking for ways to extend the life cycle of our household products, we can save the energy that comes from recycling. The opportunities for creative re-use are endless. Need help getting your creative juices flowing? Always try to re-use old gift wrapping. When it comes to your old clothes and shoes, why not gift them to charities in need? Don’t throw away that hotel shower cap! Consider donating rubber bands to teachers for student projects or for other uses in the classroom. 

The post 8-week Challenge: 8 at-home recycling tips for everyone appeared first on 8Shades.