A new study released in by Cone Communications and Johnson & Johnson reveled the reasons why we fail to recycle in the bathroom. The study surveyed respondents in order to discover what’s holding us back from recycling bathroom products. 56% of consumers recycle in the kitchen and around the house; what makes the bathroom so different?
This 2014 Recycling in the Home Survey coincides with the #CaretoRecycle program that has been initiated by Johnson & Johnson. I touched on this back in November 13′. These are the 2 main reasons why we forget or don’t mind to recycle in the bathroom:
- Convenience: No recycling bins in the bathroom.
- Lack of knowledge.
Bathroom Recycling Statistics
Recycling in the bathroom is cool! Just ask Recycling Man. (Photo Credit: Mary Anne Enriquez
The report had some revealing information that reinforces some of my suspicions. Also, I’m not alone. A lot of the reasons why we don’t recycle in the bathroom are the same. You can view the original report here.
Who’s really recycling?
- 72% of consumers recycle in and around the home.
- 1 in 5 said they would recycle more if they had a better or more convenient recycling bins throughout the house.
The Thought Process Behind Recycling Behavior:
- 28% only recycle items that they KNOW are recyclable.
- 26% recycle as many items as they can even if they don’t know they’re recyclable.
- 21% only recycle items that are clearly labeled.
- 6% only recycle when it is convenient. (How many are guilty of this?)
Percentage of consumers who Keep Recycling Bins in Other Rooms:
- 56% Kitchen
- 43% Garage/basement
- 21% Laundry Room
- 14% Bathroom
That’s right, only 14% have a recycling bin in the bathroom! Think about all of the products that can be recycled that are going to waste and filling up our landfills. We try so hard to recycle around the house but we forget one of the most important areas; the bathroom!
Education is the Key to Recycling Awareness
Many people simply don’t know what products are okay to recycle and what has to be tossed in the trash bin. After a moment of hesitation, we toss recyclables in the garbage instead of doing a minute of research to see if we can toss it in the “blue bin.” Here’s some starters for you. Also remember to look at labels for indication.
Bathroom Products that CAN be recycled:
- Plastic bottles including shampoo, conditioner, lotion, mouthwash, miscellaneous beauty products.
- Cardboard packaging and toilet paper rolls.
- Aerosol cans including body spray, spray tan, and air fresheners like Febreeze.
- Compact Flourescent Lightbulbs (CFL) can be recycled at your local Ikea store.
“Labels build awareness of what is recyclable, and household bins, ideally within arms’ reach, help many of us take the next step of separating recyclabes from the trash destined for a landfill.”
-Paulette Frank, Vice President – Sustainability at Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies
How Companies Can Help Consumers Recycle
- 28% said they would be more inclined to recycle if labels clearly indicated which products can be recycled.
- 14% by explaining how recycled materials are used.
- 12% Helping consumers understand how recycling impacts the environment.
Did you know? There is a giant garbage patch floating in the Pacific Ocean that is the size of Texas. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Tradewinds Imports Cares!
Tradewinds Imports is an online e-commerce company that sells modern bathroom furniture. At TWI, we care about our environment and the future we leave for the coming generations. To help, we’ve provided some recycling ideas below!
The 47″ Isabelle Floating Vanity features a gorgeous chestnut over RECYCLED oak wood!
Bathroom Recycling Ideas:
- An Innovative Way to Recycle Your Bathroom Countertop
- How to Donate an Old Bathroom Vanity
About the Author
This post was written for Tradewinds Imports by Cheryl Khan who is a contributing editor to the TWI Blog. Cheryl is passionate about social and environmental movements. She never hesitates to spread the word in hopes to promote a more cohesive and sustainable environment.
