Updated from a previous blog.
From shoes to travel bags, skateboards to sunglasses, all kinds of useful things are now being created from recycled plastic. And that’s good, especially considering how big the problem of plastic pollution is. But exactly what kind of plastic is used to create these products? And how much good does it really do to purchase them?
According to RecycleYourPlastics.org, specific types of plastic are used to create certain kinds of items. For example:
Plastic wraps and bags are used to create playground equipment, park benches, decking and fencing—even new plastic bags. But if you still use plastic bags to carry items home from the store, you should know that curbside recycling programs are not the best way to recycle them. Instead, many retailers are now offering to recycle these bags, so they don’t end up in the landfill. Still, your best bet is to bring your own reusable bag and avoid plastic altogether.
Milk jugs, laundry detergent and shampoo bottles are made of a strong and lightweight plastic known as HDPE, or #2-coded plastic. These kinds of containers can be recycled into plastic lumber, picnic tables, playground equipment, recycling bins and new bottles and containers. This type of plastic is one of the two most recycled plastics and is easily handled by most curbside programs.
Plastic beverage bottles are made from a thinner type of plastic known as PET, or #1-coded plastic, and are also easily recycled. These types of bottles are turned into carpeting; fabric for t-shirts, sweaters and fleece jackets; insulating material for jackets and sleeping bags; more bottles…
…and microfiber!
Norwex was the first company to offer microfiber made from recycled PET plastic bottles to help solve a decades-old problem—plastic pollution.
Norwex’s latest microfiber innovations include products made from up to 70% recycled microfiber yarn. Now Norwex Customers are literally helping to clean up the world as they also reduce chemicals in their homes and create safer havens for themselves and their families.
What makes this cutting-edge microfiber so appealing?
Have you tried microfiber products made from recycled plastic? Please share your experiences with our readers below.Resources:
I’ve been considering becoming a consultant and reading information like this reinforces my decision to find out more!
Thanks for your comment, Sue! We hope you will like what you discover!
I became a consultant to change my house initially now its about spreading the word and the products are amazing you wont regret it!
you will not regret that decision. I have been a consultant for over a year and I am fully comitted to using Norwex as much as possible. I clean rental properties and Norwex saves me a lot of time plus i have the confidence that I am leaving the property in better cleaning shape than when I found it.
I cannot find any difference between the recycled plastic items and the ‘virgin’ plastic ones. (There’s an oxymoron for you!)
They feel and function the same. Why wouldn’t you choose the recycled one?
For me, it was the sustainability factor! I love that they function the same but are made from recycled material! Each little change makes a difference, and I want to support that.
Are all the Norwex microfiber cloths made from plastic?
Tonya, thank you for your inquiry about Norwex products. Norwex Movement is a separate division of Norwex that exists to help people create safer havens in their homes by raising awareness about planetary issues that affect us all. Our policy is to direct all Norwex-specific inquiries to Customer Care. In the U.S., please contact 1-866-450-7499. In Canada, please contact 1-877-766-7939. In Australia, the number to call for product inquiries/clarification is: 07 3204 9444.
This just reinforces what a great decision i made in joining this company!
I love our products made with recycled plastic. The napkins are gorgeous and you would not realise that they have plastic in them. I also love the counter cloths and the mop pads that contain recycled plastic. They clean up everything beautifully with just water. Try them you will love them.
I have not tried yet but am planning on doing so I am a new consultant as of August.
Brenda, welcome to the Norwex Family! We’re glad you’re here—and thanks for joining Norwex Movement, where every small, conscious choice makes a difference!
Wow I love this! I’m trying to be more conscious about waste. I bring my own bags to shop and I have a reusable water bottle. I just got some reusable straws from Norwex and love them! I plan on getting the napkins next.
Its companies like you that will help turn this world around. I cant wait for my party at the end of the month… my list just got bigger
Do the fibers from these recycled items still get back into our water system when washed?
Linda, thank you for your inquiry about Norwex products. Norwex Movement is a separate division of Norwex that exists to help people create safer havens in their homes by raising awareness about planetary issues that affect us all. Our policy is to direct all Norwex-specific inquiries to Customer Care.
In the U.S., please contact 1-866-450-7499. In Canada, please contact 1-877-766-7939. In Australia, the number to call for product inquiries/clarification is: 07 3204 9444.
Dena Trone
This reinforces the reason I became a consultant. Thank you Norwex for all you do to help out.
What about the microplastics emitted to the ocean after washing microfiber products?
Thanks for your question Phoebe! While we direct all product inquiries to our Consultant Care Team, I’d also like to direct you to a previous blog you may find informative: https://www.norwexmovement.com/6-reasons-microfiber/. If you’d like more information about any of our products, please contact Consultant Care: in the U.S. our number is 1-866-450-7499. In Canada, please contact 1-877-766-7939. In Australia, the number to call for product inquiries/clarification is: 07 3204 9444.