3 sustainable uses of recycled plastic

At one time, plastic bottles and other materials were just tossed into America’s landfills.Nowadays, they are turned into recycled plastic products such as soft, luxurious fabrics to lumber and indoor/outdoor furniture. There are even charities overseas that are converting plastic bottles into low-income housing, businesses, greenhouses, and children’s playhouses.

One of the many benefits of recycled plastic is its resistance to mold, mildew, salt water spray, rot, and color fading. Those features essentially make it long-lasting and maintenance-free, especially in the case of outdoor furnishings & building materials. Here are 3 uses of recycled plastic.

#1 Fabrics & Fashion

We know that it may sound strange at first to hear that soda bottles can be made into fabric and other useful recycled plastic products, but it is true! The plastic bottles are essentially cleaned, chopped into pieces, melted, and turned into polyester yarn. The polyester yarn is then used to weave seat covers, cushions, awnings, pillows, and much more. Check out Levi’s green jeans made from recycled plastic.

#2 Roofing Materials

A more eco-friendly alternative to asphalt shingles; plastic composite roofing materials not only last longer, but the manufacturing process is less harmful to the environment; requiring less energy to produce & recycle. Plus, it’s LEED-certified.

#3 Furniture

When it comes to Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, backed benches, indoor furniture, and accessories, the previously discarded plastic is often treated in a similar manner. Milk jugs, soda bottles, and other items made with high-density polyethylene are typically collected, cleaned, and turned into recycled plastic furniture. Afterward, they are purified and enhanced. The enhancement process often includes the addition of color pigments and UV stabilizers.

Once that’s done, the recycled plastic is formed into assorted pieces of indoor/outdoor furniture, lumber, lighting fixtures, and accessories. Suitable for any outdoor public space, recycled plastic furnishings are ideal for rot resistance & longevity.