If you feel like you’re hoarding plastic containers in your home, you’re not alone. A new poll found 62% of Americans surveyed would rather keep them for possible reuse than throw it away.
The study asked 2,000 adults about their plastic habits and what they’d like to improve. Over half (55%) said they’d rather keep plastic containers and other plastic wares, rather than throw them away.
Half of respondents keep a bag stuffed with plastic bags in their house. 44% say they have a kitchen drawer with plastic cutlery. 39% have a cabinet full of mismatched Tupperware, and almost one in five have a cabinet storing old jars (18%).
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Core Hydration, the results also found that 55% don’t want to throw out plastics in their home without reusing them.
In fact, sixty-four percent of respondents said they never need to buy Tupperware, because they have plenty of other containers they’ve saved. Three in five said they always try to make a conscious effort to repurpose or upcycle items.
They ask themselves “Can this be recycled?” an average of four times a week and end up tossing another four items in the recycling bin that they’re not even 100% certain can be recycled.
“It’s common to feel that you might not be making a difference by recycling, but it’s important to remember you are,” said a spokesperson for Core Hydration.
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“Choosing products made with recycled materials is a simple step in the right direction and keeps the plastic within the circular economy,” they added.
The survey also asked for examples of how people had been repurposing items. One respondent said they were growing garlic inside cut-off water bottles. Plastic jugs are also being reused as pots for plants.
MOST UNIQUE WAYS AMERICANS ARE UPCYCLING
1. Created an original piece of rustic artwork to pep up a bare wall by repurposing wooden window shutters.
2. Growing garlic in cut-off water bottles.
3. Having saved quite a few big coffee containers, I use them for cat litter in winter, for birdseed, and the grandkids like to use them to dig in the garden with.
4. Those round plastic lids from toddler food pouches are good for lots of things, teaching kids colors, sorting, and even stacking to build towers.
5. I have turned old frames into jewelry hangers and bottles into flower pots and candle holders.
6. I repurposed a foam egg crate from my new bed, turning it into a bed for my dog.
7. I reuse glass yogurt containers for individual dessert cups/servings.
8. Turned a ladder into a bookshelf.
9. Taking plastic jars, removing labels, painting and decoupage them into attractive vases or pencil holders or decorated for use for cotton balls, etc.
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