There is a growing consumption and use of canned products. Canned drinks are increasingly available and many popular brands are following the trend. While this positively decreases the use of plastic, it also raises the need to properly tackle the question of managing the used cans.
Fortunately, many individuals and groups have come up with practical solutions. It is now common practice to see scavengers and scrap yards collecting used and disposed cans. Individuals can also offer to sell their cans for a fee. Apparently, local blacksmiths collect and smelt these cans which can then be used to produce durable cooking pots of various sizes, cooking stoves and other items.
Some blacksmiths also offer the option of exchanging the equivalent portion of cans for pots. But you’ll really need a lot of cans to get a medium to large size pot. I went to check out one of such blacksmiths and below are some photos.
So, no more excuses. Be sure to segregate your waste and keep the cans aside. When your collecting container is full, you can exchange them for some money, give them out for free, or get yourself a really nice pot.
In another news…
France is planning to ban stores from throwing away unsold clothing. The fact that unsold clothes are destroyed or thrown away in the first place is preposterous! According to Fashion Network, Europe is reported to throw away 4 million tons of clothing, with about 5 million tons put back into the market every single year. France alone represents 17.5% of this waste and only 22.9% of what is thrown away is recycled.
This move comes as no surprise as France has been progressive in eliminating waste. The country was the first that passed a law inhibiting grocery stores and supermarkets from throwing away food that are near their expiration dates. Instead, the law requires them to donate the items to charity. While grocery store waste represents just 11% of total food waste in the country, these early steps in eliminating waste provide a blueprint for others to follow. After all, much of this waste – food, clothing and others, can not only be avoided, but put to better use by donating to those in need.
SOURCES
France might ban stores from throwing away unsold clothing