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Carbon offsetting and carbon credits

Many of us search for further methods to lessen our dependency on fossil fuels and our carbon footprints. Because of our efforts, carbon offsetting has become popular as a simple, low-impact way for people to give back.

We need to define carbon offsets first before we can analyze their efficiency.

Carbon offsets often relate to lowering or eliminating greenhouse gases (GHGs) to offset emissions from elsewhere.

Carbon credits and offsets are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they have a few minor differences. A certified instrument that may be transferred and represents decreased CO2 emissions is called a carbon credit.

One can emit a certain quantity of greenhouse gases (GHGs) when they purchase carbon credits. Because they are quantifiable, verified emission reductions from approved climate action programs are crucial; as a result, only a select few businesses can provide carbon credits.

The Voluntary Carbon Market 

The voluntary carbon market (VCM) aims to make carbon emitters responsible for the damage they inflict on the environment.

Businesses, governments, and private citizens may join the VCM by buying carbon credits released by initiatives reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere.

When the VCM began, its primary focus was developing novel approaches to combat climate change. Since then, it has grown into a more potent strategy by supporting the allocation of essential funds to initiatives that result in internationally verifiable carbon reductions.

Carbon Credits

Carbon offsets are a valuable tool for addressing the climate catastrophe for several reasons.

Carbon credits are available for everyone to purchase, allowing more individuals to participate and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

It pushes companies and people to take responsibility for using fossil fuels, which might result in a more thoughtful strategy with lower emissions.

You may see how the money helps communities worldwide by looking at the measured reductions in emissions from climate action projects provided by the voluntary carbon market.

Carbon offsetting can be applied to a company’s internal reduction targets.

Offsetting Carbon Footprints

1. Individuals or small businesses may use A free online carbon footprint calculator to get an approximate assessment of their greenhouse gas emissions. An individual’s average annual carbon footprint in the UK is 12.7 tons.

Calculators will request information on how much you spend on transportation, energy use at home, and other expenses like eating out, shopping for groceries, furnishings, cosmetics, other items, and leisure activities.

Larger companies should accurately measure their carbon impact using an approved consulting firm. Your carbon footprint will be estimated, and the services will confirm your greenhouse gas emissions.

2. It’s time to cut your emissions after calculating your carbon footprint.

One may minimize their environmental effect by implementing simple adjustments such as reducing the time spent in the shower, eating a meat-free diet, or lowering the temperature.

Following this step entails thinking about your greenhouse gas emissions regularly. You’ll save money in the future stage by having less to offset when you reduce your carbon impact today.

3. Select a verified carbon standard (VCS) certified credit and Gold Standard Verified Emission Reductions (VERs) certified project that emphasizes excellent quality. Additionally, to ensure that the project you choose is legitimate and helpful, it is essential to choose one that complies with the Quality Assurance Standard (QAS) for Carbon Offsetting.

In the end, carbon offset initiatives contribute to lowering atmospheric carbon levels. Some programs, however, also address the indirect consequences of climate change, such as the decline in biodiversity, the availability of clean drinking water, employment and education opportunities, and overall health and well-being in nations that are more vulnerable to the issue.

If you need help figuring out where to contribute, perusing a portfolio of carbon offset projects is a great place to start.

Are you thinking about commercial recycling? Give us a call or send an email to begin this process.

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Christmas and Pollution

One of the most celebrated holidays, Christmas, brings tons of trash to landfills annually. The pollution brought by Christmas heavily impacts the environment through food waste and packaging. Read more to learn about the waste caused and how to prevent it.

How Bad is the Pollution during Christmas?

Although waste is a significant issue and will continue to be so in the future, this does not mean that we should deny ourselves the joys of Christmas or feel bad about wrapping gifts for our loved ones.

It is good to note that wrapping paper produces the most trash during Christmas. Indulging in excess is a holiday custom in and of itself. Yet, every year, we devour 370 million mince pies, 250 million pints of beer and lager, 35 million wine bottles, and 10 million turkeys!

This indicates that Americans consume 80% more food over Christmas than they do during the rest of the year.

The drawback of this is that it is causing us to produce so much trash and pollution that we have to throw out 230,000 tonnes of food during Christmas.

At £275 million, that is the same as 74 million mince pies or two million turkeys.

Wrapping Paper’s Impacts on the Environment.

Consideration should be given to the packaging and wrapping paper we buy, use, and waste throughout the Christmas season, as well as the food. We could have wrapped the Island of Jersey with the wrapping paper we threw away in 2016 (227,000 km).

Moreover, our Christmas cards would span 500 times around the globe if we arranged them side by side.

We also go through 125,000 tons of plastic wrapping and 4,500 tonnes of tin foil during Christmas.

According to research conducted by Greenpeace, the manufacture of one kilogram of wrapping paper requires around 1.5 kilos of coal, and during that process, it releases up to 3.5 kilograms of CO2. This doesn’t account for any extra shipping, though.

What Changes can be made?

  1. Rechargeable batteries

We are giving our friends and family a more comprehensive range of technological toys and gadgets than ever before. The only drawback is that a few of these presents need single-use batteries.

2. “Green” decorations

An average of ten hours a day are spent with Christmas tree lights on, resulting in an amount of CO2 equivalent to five party balloons—assuming the lights are incandescent.

But you may still have a festive Christmas with eco-friendly lighting. A 100-count string of incandescent microlights would consume 40 watts, whereas a 70-count string of five-millimeter wide-angle LEDs uses only about five watts.

Thinking of commercial bulk recycling? Give us a call for insight on how it works. (954) 572-7534

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Nano plastics and the dangers of them

You may have heard about microplastics, but did you realize there are also nanoplastics?

But what are they, and why are they so dangerous? Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about nanoplastic pollution.

What is a microplastic?

Microplastics are particularly minute bits of plastic debris that form due to the dumping and breakdown of consumer and industrial waste.

To be called a microplastic, the material must be less than 5mm long, whether created intentionally or due to a larger piece of plastic breaking away.

Microplastics are a contaminant, and their toxic composition is hazardous to human and animal health. Some microplastics contain carcinogenic or mutagenic compounds related to human cancer and DNA damage.

Plastic degrades extremely slowly (sometimes over hundreds of thousands of years), making microplastics challenging to dispose of once discovered. 

What are nanoplastics?

The significant distinction between nanoplastics and microplastics is the size of the particle.

Nanoplastics are tiny, nearly invisible bits of plastic that are produced as a result of the disposal of plastic products. They are typically considered in terms of trash and pollution, particularly in the marine environment, where they are most ubiquitous.

Micro and nano plastics are utilized as abrasive agents for exfoliation in personal care products such as face and body washes and masks, and they are also created as cheap filler material. Most nanoplastics, on the other hand, are the product of the slow fragmentation of plastic trash in the environment.

When plastic is mishandled and exposed to sunlight, wind, or water, it degrades, and micro or nanoplastics form.

Because these particles are so light and because of their widespread detection, scientists believe nanoplastics have been dispersed around the world in part by air currents. Early research indicates that they may also be emitted by secondary sources such as urban surfaces and soils.

Nanoplastics can also quickly enter the food chain. When a plastic object, such as a fishing net, degrades in fish-inhabited oceans and lakes, the particles are consumed by the organisms. Many of us then eat fish or seafood, which means we swallow microplastics from the sea when we eat.

Newer data reveals that people are inhaling nanoplastics – it is estimated that humans are inhaling up to 10,000 nanoplastics daily.

Why are nanoplastics dangerous?

Nanoplastics, when released into the environment, have a devastating influence on every ecosystem component.

Plastics are composed of numerous complex compounds, which are advantageous for their malleability but detrimental to human and animal health.

The most prevalent type of microplastic found in the environment is polyethylene, which is used in plastic bags and packaging. However, PET, which is used in plastic bottles, is also frequently observed.

Early human toxicological studies have shown that nanoplastics harm cell survival. Ingestion of microplastics has been proven in studies on marine life to alter growth and delay development. There have also been reports of malformations and subcellular alterations.

Avoiding nano plastics

It is impossible to eliminate micro and nano plastics due to their small size and prevalence in most ordinary objects. However, you may choose your products and foods wisely to reduce your contribution to nano plastic pollution while safeguarding your health.

  • Using a water filter
  • Buy more organic clothing
  • Avoid warming food in plastic 

Are you considering sustainably recycling commercial waste in your business? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to assisting the environment as well as your company.

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Bamboo Packaging

One of the biggest industries in the world, the makeup and cosmetics economy is estimated to be $716 billion by 2025. Many customers prefer to shop online for products, resulting in the makeup industry being heavily impactful on eCommerce.

Due to the need for long-distance shipments in eCommerce businesses, packaging companies often use plastic for these shipments; the makeup and cosmetics industry relies on eCommerce for many sales, so makeup companies frequently pack 120 units annually.

If businesses continue to use plastic units for shipping, landfill taxes will continue to increase. Research on alternatives to plastic mainly focuses on paper, bamboo, and bioplastics. 

Makeup

Various types of makeup include dry powders, waxy items like lipsticks, and liquids like nail paint. As a result, the cosmetics packaging market is complicated and diverse, with a strong emphasis on compact, mostly plastic and glass containers. These containers produce excessive packaging for a frequently minimum product — just a few milliliters for nail polish, mascara, and other products — often contains very little.

Additionally, the packaging used for individual units is only a tiny portion of the overall packaging waste, including large cardboard boxes and cushioning (foam and polystyrene) that may be utilized for wholesale delivery.

Due to the growth of eCommerce, we now purchase more items online, including different types of cosmetics.

Skincare

Some may argue that switching to bamboo skincare packaging is more accessible than switching to bamboo cosmetics packaging. Many skincare products come in much more uniform containers with cardboard or readily recyclable exterior packaging (for example).

Again, the difficulty is making the most of bamboo rather than using it only as an ornament without creating sustainable packaging. For instance, it’s typical to see “bamboo packaging” refer to plastic jars with bamboo caps.

Consumers have become more savvy about deceptive marketing tactics and when a company genuinely tries to use eco-friendly packaging and other initiatives.

By lowering packing costs, firms have a concrete opportunity to increase profits. 

Bamboo

Bamboo is a perennial blooming plant that is evergreen. According to science, it comprises the most prominent grasses on Earth and belongs to the Poaceae family of grasses’ Bambusoideae subfamily.

Three taxonomic types of bamboo:

  • Arundinarieae (Temperate Woody Bamboos)
  • Bambuseae (Tropical woody bamboo)
  • Olyreae (Herbaceous bamboo species)

The sheath, which naturally sheds as a plant age and becomes a mature plant, is typically used to create disposable bamboo packaging. The sheaths are gathered, boiled, laminated, and then formed into the proper shape by pressing them into molds.

Benefits to Bamboo

Powerful and Flexible material

Bamboo is resistant to tension or “pulling” forces because it has impressive tensile strength—even higher than steel.

Due to its flexibility, it can be shaped into various shapes that are protective of the things contained within and gentle to them.

Additionally to other sectors, this is advantageous for bamboo cosmetics packaging.

Due to bamboo packaging materials’ vast recyclability, consumer electronics company Dell has used bamboo packaging to protect sensitive components during delivery, including the “chasing arrows” recycling emblem.

Biodegradable

There are several definitions of biodegradability, but generally speaking, biodegradable packaging materials must decompose swiftly in landfills or the open environment with no toxic leftovers.

There are several environmental advantages of bamboo. It establishes an intricate root system that aids in organically cleaning the water table, resulting in purer water sources downstream from the bamboo plantation.

Additionally, it uses less water during processing. All other water lost during manufacturing may be captured and utilized again, and since the processed bamboo can be air-dried in warm weather, little to no energy is required. The only water lost during production is due to evaporation.

Additionally, bamboo can trap carbon. Although estimates vary wildly, common data indicates that a single bamboo plant may store about 2 tonnes of carbon annually. At the same time, some sources claim that a hectare (metric unit) can sequester up to 17 tonnes.

Is Bamboo Efficient?

Bamboo production is quite efficient in comparison to other materials. Bamboo grows new leaves on its severed stems, which supply extra energy via the root system to accelerate the growth of new shoots.

With a carbon capture capability ten times that of trees, it’s difficult to argue against growing more bamboo, whether as a packaging material or a carbon sink.

Finally, bamboo is high in silicate acid, so it isn’t easy to burn. This is excellent news for commercial bamboo plantations, especially given climate change, rising global temperatures, and the increased risk of wildfires.

Are you thinking of recycling commercial waste in a sustainable way in your company? Give us a call. We look forward to helping the environment and your company.

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How are wetlands a key to society?

Wetlands are a combination of water and land-related wildlife. There are many types of wetlands: marshes, swamps, bogs, mangroves, and fens. Wetlands support many different organisms, making them an integral part of the biosphere; their range for biodiversity serves many birds that migrate. With their high number of biodiversity comes a need for water control and quality. 

How do wetlands relate to climate change?

Wetlands sequester carbon, reducing greenhouse gases; wetlands’ characteristics make them vital to managing climate change. Wetlands effectively capture carbon dioxide, storing it; however, the tampering of wetlands reduces its ability to sequester carbon.

While storing carbon dioxide, wetlands also emit methane, a greenhouse gas. Still, the proper management of wetlands can incredibly reduce the amount of methane emissions. 

The management of wetlands also aids in flood control, channeling, and absorbing rainfall. Preserving wetlands provides safety for wildlife and humans due to many communities arising to protect and preserve wetlands.

How do wetlands help animals?

Wetlands provide housing for many animals, from birds to amphibians to mammals; along with accommodation, wetlands provide areas for migratory and stationary animals. The habitats provided by wetlands give wildlife security from predators and provide space for nesting and raising offspring. 

Animals that live in wetlands

  • Birds
  • Mammals
  • Fish
  • Amphibians
  • Reptiles
  • Invertebrates
  • Mollusks
  • Crustaceans 
  • Plants
  • Microorganisms 

Wetlands provide safe spaces to settle for many animals, proving their integral part of the biosphere. 

How to protect wetlands?

  1. Limit water usage: Only use water from the tap when necessary; other ways of obtaining water exist.
  2. Decrease pollution: Try buying from smaller, more local businesses, and try using more items that conserve energy and things that use less gasses (bikes over cars)
  3. Recycle: Try to compost and recycle plastic along with other recyclable items. Pick up trash that you see, and join communities focused on recycling.

Are you interested in commercial recycling? Call us, and we will ensure your needs are met.

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Nuclear Fusion

The most commonly known types of energy are wind, solar, hydro, and electric; however, the least known and newest form of energy, nuclear fusion, is on the horizon.

What Exactly is Nuclear Fusion Energy?

Nuclear fusion comes from the reaction that powers stars like the Sun. The process involves two nuclei combining and forming heavier nuclei while also discharging immense amounts of energy. Studies on this form of energy began in the middle of the 20th century, but research began with the question of how stars enabled themselves. Instead of attempting to discover ways to harness this energy, it was mainly researched as a means of destruction. 

Sustainability and Production

As nuclear fusion constantly powers the Sun, a few grams of nuclear fusion energy could produce enough energy for one person to live in a developed country for at least 60 years.

Nuclear fusion is limitless; once one fusion is created, the products from one fusion can be used forever. In nuclear fusion, hydrogen isotopes, deuterium, and tritium are used; these elements can be found on Earth, some more commonly than others.

Nuclear fusion also has less of an impact on the planet than nuclear fission does, as its reactants are renewable.

Conclusions

For nuclear fusion to occur on Earth, the conditions would have to be perfect and hot, similar to the Sun’s. Concerns have also risen about the uncontrollability of the neutrons in the reaction.

Although there are some issues with this energy source, the possibility of this energy becoming widely used is increasing. Recent studies have shown that scientists can replicate the conditions needed for fusion. All over the world, countries are becoming one step closer to using this energy in everyday life; France is building the world’s largest fusion reactor, and in California, some scientists were able to harness 1.35 megajoules of energy.

Interested in learning more about recycling or need aid in commercial recycling? Give us a call or an email. We are happy to help.

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Benefits to Recycling

Various everyday materials such as paper, glass, and plastic are recycled. Useful for many situations, these materials have many uses; however, paper is one of the most valuable and sustainable common materials.

Read below to find the plethora of benefits of regularly recycling paper. 

How Does It Happen?

Before shredding occurs, workers at the paper mill sort the paper into categories, including glossy, printer, newspaper, and many other types of paper.

Process of Recycling

The shredding of the paper includes injecting many chemicals and water into the paper. The paper must also be inspected and checked for any non-paper materials in the mush; this inspection occurs before and after the paper is turned into mush. 

With this inspection, a process known as de-inking occurs; this process aims to remove the printing ink and glues. To further clean papers that need it, some papers enter a floatation process in which the ink attaches itself to small particles and floats to the surface of the floatation device, hence the name.

Similar to the floatation process, some paper must be bleached to reach the desired color. 

The final step in the recycling process of paper is the stretching and drying of the paper; after this step, the recycled paper is sent off to many companies so that businesses can use it for their respective purposes.

Benefits to Recycling

Recycling saves valuables such as trees, water, oil, and energy. It also reduces CO2 emissions, preventing dangerous greenhouse gases from entering our atmosphere. Paper can be recycled multiple times, proving its incredible usability. Along with the many environmental benefits of recycling paper, there are many economic benefits. Recycling reduces the taxes and fines that governments enable due to immense waste. 

Materials That Use Recycled Resources 

  • Cardboard
  • Printer paper
  • Water bottles
  • Utensils and many more

Are you thinking of recycling commercial waste in a sustainable way in your company? Give us a call. We look forward to helping the environment and your company.

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Florida Recyclng Trends 2023

As we enter the year 2023, businesses in Florida are continuing to make strides in adopting sustainable practices, including recycling. Recycling is the process of collecting, processing, and reusing materials that would otherwise be thrown away. This process has numerous benefits for both the environment and businesses themselves.

One major benefit of recycling for businesses is cost savings. By recycling materials such as paper, plastic, and aluminum, businesses can reduce the amount of waste they produce, which in turn reduces the amount of money spent on waste disposal. Recycling can also generate revenue for businesses through the sale of recyclable materials. Many recycling facilities offer payment for materials such as cardboard, metal, and plastic, providing an additional source of income for businesses.

Another benefit of recycling is improved environmental sustainability. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, which can have negative environmental impacts such as leaching of toxic chemicals into groundwater and production of methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas. Recycling also conserves natural resources, such as trees and oil, by reusing materials instead of extracting new ones.

In Florida, businesses have been taking steps to improve their recycling efforts. One trend that has emerged in recent years is the implementation of composting programs. Composting involves the decomposition of organic materials such as food waste and yard trimmings into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also provides a sustainable source of fertilizer for gardens and agricultural fields.

Another trend in Florida is the use of recycled materials in product design. Many businesses are now incorporating recycled materials, such as plastic and glass, into their products. This not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also creates a market for recycled materials, encouraging more recycling efforts.

In addition to these trends, many businesses in Florida are also implementing waste reduction programs to complement their recycling efforts. Waste reduction involves reducing the amount of waste produced in the first place, such as through the use of reusable containers and products or by implementing more efficient production processes.

Overall, the benefits of recycling and sustainability for businesses in Florida are clear. By reducing waste and conserving natural resources, businesses can save money, improve their environmental sustainability, and create new opportunities for growth and innovation. As we continue to move forward into the future, it is important for businesses to prioritize sustainability and embrace practices such as recycling to ensure a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Start or improve your recycling program today. Contact OVP Recycling to get a free quote to meet your commercial recycling needs.

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How to Stay Ahead of the 2023 Commercial Recycling Trends

As a business owner, staying ahead of the trends can be tricky. However, keeping up with commercial recycling trends is one of the most important steps you can take for your business in 2023. With new regulations popping up every day and more people becoming environmentally conscious, it’s important to ensure that your company is doing its part. Let’s explore some of the top trends in commercial recycling for this year.

Technology-Based Solutions

One trend that has been gaining steam in recent years is technology-based solutions for commercial recycling and waste management. This includes everything from automated bin systems to computer programs designed specifically to track and monitor landfill waste. Automated systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease-of-use and efficiency. For example, a business can install an automated system that will sort recyclables into separate bins based on type. This eliminates the need for staff members to manually sort through materials and makes it easier to keep track of exactly how much waste is being recycled or diverted from landfills each month.

Zero Waste Goals

Another trend that’s become increasingly popular over the past few years is setting zero waste goals for businesses. Zero waste goals are exactly what they sound like — a goal for businesses to reduce their overall waste output by diverting all possible materials from landfills or incinerators into reusable or recyclable streams. To meet these goals, businesses must have effective strategies in place, such as reuse programs, composting initiatives, comprehensive recycling plans, and more. Setting a zero waste goal may seem daunting at first, but it’s important to remember that any progress made towards reducing your business’s environmental impact should be celebrated!

Alternative Materials

The final trend we’re seeing when it comes to commercial recycling is the use of alternative materials instead of traditional plastics or metals. Many companies are now turning away from using conventional materials to reduce their environmental footprint and create more sustainable products and packaging options. Some examples of alternative materials include bamboo, hemp, cork, paperboard, bioplastics, and more – all of which are great options if you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing quality or aesthetic appeal!

Commercial recycling is an incredibly important topic for businesses and consumers in 2023. From technology-based solutions to zero waste goals and alternative materials, there are plenty of ways to ensure your company is staying ahead of the curve in environmental responsibility! By now researching which strategies would work best for you, you’ll be prepared not only now but also well into the future as regulations continue changing and evolving with ever-increasing speed!

You can start or continue your journey by contacting OVP Recycling to get a quote for your recycled material and get tips on how to improve your sustainability initiatives.