Recycling
The benefits of recycling for our planet are undeniable. There is a finite number of raw materials, that we cannot waste recklessly. Recycling is not some ephemeral fashion or a seasonal trend, but a life choice. It is a priority for the preservation of the environment, which we share in the present and will deliver to future generations. Recycling must be considered as an obligation of every individual and every society. It could be said that the evolution and quality of the whole in which we live depends on whether recycling is part of the everyday life of the citizens and has become a way of life and thinking.
Despite all the important steps towards improvement and awareness raising, a large part of the population does not treat the recycling process responsibly. This fact makes necessary the integration of recycling into school curriculum and the undertaking of more action and information steps by the state and local government.
Local government and actions
In most islands, recycling is at a very low level, while there are islands and provinces that do not even have the proper infrastructure. According to data from the Hellenic Recycling Organization, Poros is classified in the island municipalities with quite a large participation in recycling. An average of 22.5 kg per permanent resident is collected, while the total average is 29.02 kg per inhabitant. Indicatively, the island at the top of recycling is Mykonos, with 211.8 kg per inhabitant. On the contrary, the island with the least recycling is Salamina, where they account for 0.5 kg per inhabitant.
In addition, the Municipality of Troizinia-Methana supports the alternative waste management by placing large containers for the collection of electrical and electronic appliances. This reduces the environmental burden of hazardous substances contained in these devices. In addition, usable materials such as metal, glass and plastic are recovered. These are reused during the production process, saving raw materials and preserving the mineral wealth of our planet.
Recycling Tips
Many of us recycle. But there are actually some things we ignore. Below you will find tips for as much as possible correct recycling.
- We recycle plastics. But not all of them.
We can recycle a lot of plastics, like bottles, bags, boxes, jars. All this can be put in the blue bins. However, plastics containing other materials in their components should not be thrown in recycling bins.
- Glass is recycled. But not in all cases.
Glass objects are recycled. However, we must be careful what exactly we throw in the recycling bins, because mirrors, glazing and ceramics cannot be recycled.
- Paper is recycled. But not in all cases.
Still not all kinds of paper are recycled. Small pieces of paper and photos cannot be recycled. Also, kitchen paper, toilet paper and soiled paper packaging, such as pizza boxes, cannot be recycled. Even if the packaging material is recyclable, it does not enter the recycling bin because it contains oils and food waste.
- Soiled packages and papers.
It is very important to know that before we throw away recyclable packaging, such as milk and juice boxes, we need to rinse it well.
- Bottle caps
The lids of the plastic bottles are recycled separately from the bottles themselves.
- Expanded polystyrene and Styrofoam.
It would be good not to be put in recycling bins, as they are highly flammable materials.
- In recycling, we always throw without a bag.
Always empty the waste in bulk into the bin and not tied into a bag.
- Medicines, lamps, batteries, electrical and electronic appliances.
These materials are not thrown in blue bins but separately, in special bins and recycling points. Great care must be paid to the recycling of computers and batteries, because they contain heavy metals, which penetrate the subsoil and are harmful to the environment and our health.
- Large electrical appliances
In the case of large electrical appliances, we contact the Municipality and take them out on the sidewalk at the day and time we have agreed. Also, when we receive a new electrical appliance, the store can often take the old one for recycling.
Side Actions
It is worth noting that just as necessary as recycling packaging materials is composting, i.e., the conversion of organic materials into fertilizer (compost). Composting used to be in the everyday life of rural societies. A practice that has been forgotten over time. It comes back in recent years with some home composting programs, as well as with more extensive productions for crop fertilization.
Our area, with its dual character, touristic and rural, could benefit in many ways from recycling and composting programs. A thought that leaves a lot of room for discussion and reflection. The intention of Katheti , because of its great interest in the promotion of sustainable development of the area on all levels, is to highlight and support such actions.
