19
Jul, 2022
water

How To Install A Rainwater Tank?

At present, it is important to have a rainwater harvesting system. On the one hand, it is a major advantage for preserving the ecology because it reduces the risks of flooding, erosion, and degradation of the water table. On the other hand, it is a profitable investment, allowing to reduce the consumption of drinking water.

Among the most popular rainwater harvesting systems is the rainwater tank, also called rainwater harvesting. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to install this system. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about installing a rainwater tank.

Choose a rainwater cistern model

water

The choice of a rainwater tank model depends on the quantity of water you wish to collect and its use. There are 2 main models.

1. The aerial model 

It corresponds to the need for gardening and occasional cleaning. It is installed on stable ground and can be put under cover. It is equipped with anti-UV protection and a tap placed at the bottom to facilitate the drawing. Its connection is provided by a collector, which is equipped with a filtering system to block leaves, insects, etc. Currently, their manufacturers offer more aesthetic models with a wide variety of colors.

2. The buried model

It allows for the storage of a large amount of rainwater, but this depends on the volumes (water storage up to 25,000 L) and ranges available in the market. It is very discreet, as only its cover remains visible, and it is easy to maintain and does not require emptying in winter. It can also keep an invariable water temperature.

Its other major advantage is that it can be connected to the sanitary system of your home to facilitate your household chores such as laundry and cleaning the floor. However, the cost of its installation is more expensive than that of an overhead model. Moreover, its installation is more complex because if it is installed on wet soil, a concrete invert is required, and if it is installed on clay soil, drainage is necessary to evacuate the water around the cistern.

Choose the material for your rainwater tank.

Rainwater tanks can be made from polyethylene, PVC coating, or concrete. The polyethylene tank is effective for all seasons. It is durable (at least 20 years), recyclable and translucent (which avoids the presence of particles in the water). It is also treated with high-definition anti-UV.

The tank with PVC or polyester coating is robust against water pressure, despite its fragile appearance. It is completely closed, which prevents water evaporation and guarantees its purity. Its shape can be customized according to the shape of your land.

The concrete cistern has the power to soften and neutralize the water that is stored for a certain period of time. It requires to be completely closed to prevent the penetration of external debris and the development of pathogenic micro-organisms. It is also durable and unbreakable.

Determine the right location for the tank

electricity

The cistern should be placed close to your house, near the downspout, and in a clear area. The surface of this area should be horizontal, flat, and level.

Prepare your land

Mark off the general area of your property where you will place your tank. Remove all loose items that can puncture the liner, such as rocks. Lay down a bed of sand about 10 cm thick and spread it with a rake.

Set up the tank

Unroll your tank liner after delivery. For good ventilation under the liner, shake out each corner and lift it up at once (at least 4 people). Then, install your water tank in its final location.

Connect the tank to your sanitary system

tree

Locate the connection points by first attaching the collector on the tank side to the top of the rainwater pipe, to stop the water collection when the tank is full automatically. Then, drill the gutter, install it and connect it to the tank. Then connect it to the pump at the other end. Finally, attach the safety overflow.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about rainwater tanks.

4
Jul, 2022
recycling

Top 4 Things To Know About Recycling

The problem is that the rules of recycling are not always clear and not always well applied. To help you, here are a few simple rules to follow in order to sort properly. So here are the basics: to sort your waste, there are generally 3 garbage cans: the recyclables garbage can, the regular waste garbage can, and the glass garbage can.

As a general rule, the glass garbage can is for all glass-based waste, the recyclables bin is for plastics, paper, cardboard, and metal, while the regular garbage can is for everything else that cannot be recycled (including food waste). So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things that you ought to know about recycling.

1. Benefits of recycling

recycling

Recycling means collecting used materials and turning them into new products rather than throwing them away. This process is beneficial to the environment and our local communities for the following reasons:

  • Reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and incineration plants.
  • Using much less energy.
  • Reduced carbon emissions.
  • Reduced water and air pollution.
  • Preservation of valuable natural resources, including trees and water.
  • Protect wildlife and natural habitats.
  • Creating jobs and supporting the economy.

2. Some objects that are thought to be recyclable are not

Many plastic objects are not recyclable; therefore, you should avoid putting them in the recycling garbage can! This is the case for yogurt pots, cookie trays, and any flexible packaging, such as toilet paper. The same is true for takeaway food trays from restaurants (sandwiches, kebabs, burgers, salads). In fact, it is only plastic bottles and flasks that are recyclable. You can forget about the rest.

As for glass, some objects made of this material are not recyclable either. This is the case for objects made of “culinary” glass, such as tableware and transparent dishes. Their melting temperature is higher than that of glass, so they cannot be recycled. On the other hand, glass jars, bottles, and bottles are recyclable.

3. How many times can a recyclable object be recycled?

recycling

It depends on the material used! If it is plastic, only plastic bottles and flasks are recyclable. The number of recycling is very limited: only two to three times! Indeed, at each stage of recycling, the plastic degrades and ends up not being reusable. Concerning glass, it is mineral and inert: it is therefore 100% recyclable and infinite, without losing quality. This is why it is preferable to buy glass bottles rather than plastic ones.

Finally, paper is a material made of cellulose fibers that come from wood or recovered paper. During each recycling process, these fibers break down and become damaged. This is why paper can only be recycled about ten times. Moreover, this quality degradation means that the newly manufactured paper cannot be made of 100% recovered fibers. In fact, the recycled paper contains about 50% recovered fibers, while conventional paper contains only 10%.

4. Some objects made of different materials can be recycled

A few decades ago, recycling technologies were not able to recycle objects made of different materials. But today, there are machines capable of separating the different materials of the same object. Thanks to them, separating plastic windows from envelopes and removing staples from documents is no longer necessary. It is important to check if your municipality is equipped with this machine.

With the many limitations of recycling that we have just discussed, one should not systematically rely on recycling! On the one hand, only a small amount of household waste is recycled in the United States. And on the other hand, when it is effectively recycled, it can only be recycled a limited number of times.

To contribute to more efficient recycling, we can, for example, prefer to buy glass water bottles instead of plastic ones. Or even better, drink tap water! We can also limit the purchase of products that are difficult to recycle, such as food packaging. We can buy certain foods in bulk and use our own containers. This would help reduce the amount of packaging produced.

Looking for help?

recycling

For all your garbage disposal and skip bin needs, you ought to call RONCO MINI BINS/SKIP HIRE. This Australian family-owned business has over 20 years in the garbage disposal industry and is at the top of its games. They also offer expert rubbish removal and waste management services to residents and business owners in Melbourne.

So what are you waiting for? Give them a call now, and they will offer their expertise in garbage removal to both business owners and residents in the Eastern and Northern suburbs of Melbourne. If this hasn’t convinced you yet, check their website and look at their more than competitive prices!

14
Apr, 2022
waste

Waste Recovery: Taking Care Of The Planet And Its Wallet

The safeguarding of the planet is nowadays at the heart of all discussions. Indeed, several actions are carried out in this direction by the leaders in the world. These actions have led to the creation of innovative techniques whose role is to ensure the protection of the planet. This is the case of waste recovery. If, like many, you do not know what is the recovery of waste and its usefulness, no need to worry. Discover in this article some answers.

What is waste recovery?

waste

The definition of this technique varies from one recycling specialist to another. Also known as waste reclamation, this technique is a set of processes aimed at transforming waste into another material usable by humans. Indeed, this waste can be changed into any type of material and energy product.

According to ADEME (Agency of Environment and Energy Management), the recovery of waste is subject to another definition. It considers a technique promoting the reuse and recycling of waste, reusable materials, and energy. For this agency, waste recovery is quite economical in raw materials and respects the environment.

The law that introduced waste recovery came into force on July 13, 1992. Since then, this method has been extremely successful. There are several reasons for this. The main one is that this method brings an added value to the waste by removing it from the collection and treatment circuits. Thus, the recovery of waste is totally opposed to its elimination.

What are the different types of waste recovery?

Over time, waste recovery has improved. Indeed, it knew some contributions and modifications. Today, this technique is declined in various forms. To be more precise, it exists under three types: material recovery, organic recovery, and energy recovery. In a few lines, here is a presentation of each of these varieties of waste recovery.

The material recovery

The material recovery takes into account partially or entirely a material (waste). This type of waste recovery inserts the said material into a new production process. For example, let’s take the example of used plastic bottles. These are melted down in order to be transformed into synthetic fibers. This waste is used for a different purpose.

Organic recovery

waste

Organic recovery is a technique that works in a slightly different way. Indeed, it uses two methods, composting and methanization. The waste is transformed into compost and is used to regenerate the soil. This waste can also be transformed into methane. Methane can be used as natural gas.

Energy recovery

Like organic recovery, energetic recovery has a particular way of working. In this case, the waste is incinerated in specially designed furnaces. The heat from this combustion is used to supply heating systems. It can even be used to supply electricity to homes.

What is the purpose of waste recovery?

As you can already imagine, waste recovery has many advantages. To begin with, it allows us to protect the environment and save the planet on which we live. Indeed, this technique allows reducing the quantity of waste present on earth considerably. Some studies estimate its reduction rate at 70%.

The recovery of waste allows us to save the planet; it guarantees better health to its inhabitants. This technique is also economical. It allows reducing the amount of fuel bills since it produces fuel. In summary, we can say that waste recovery is a beneficial technique on various levels. Indeed, it takes care of the planet and its wallet.

Thrift

waste

Second-hand does not have the bad image it had 20 years ago. The shame of wearing clothes already used by others is over, and this act has become trendy from a clothing point of view, ecological and political. Fed up with overconsumption, let’s change things!

You will find vintage stores everywhere that offer you nuggets at very (very) affordable prices. Go to second-hand bookstores, where you will find the latest Marc Levy, the first Balzac, and lost pockets that are just waiting for you to relive their stories. This is a trend that has been accelerated by the health crisis, as people are becoming more and more aware.

Spend an hour on online resale sites before going to the store to buy a new TV, there are probably people who are reselling theirs and will go buy another one, but with the one you’re taking back, that’s still one less in the garbage.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about being eco-friendly.

30
Sep, 2021
Overshoot

Earth Overshoot Day: Humanity Has Already Exhausted the Planet’s Resources.

As of July 29, 2021, humanity is living on credit. The day of overshoot marks the symbolic date when human beings are supposed to have consumed all the renewable resources that the planet is capable of providing them in one year. From this day on, we are drawing irrevocably from the Earth’s natural reserves.

We are using 70 % more than the Earth can renew, but how long will we live above the set amount of resources? Just think about it as your savings; if you are living beyond your means and tapping into your savings each month…how long will it take before you run out of money?

We have been overshooting the planet’s resources since 1970. 1970 was the last year that the overshoot occurred in December. Since then, we have been running out during the first three quarters of the year.

How Much Earth Will We Need?

Earth, Planet, Space, World, Celestial Object
Will We Need More Earth?

It is also on the basis of a similar calculation that we can estimate the number of planet Earths that humanity would need to have to sustain its consumption of renewable resources in one year. Estimated at 1.7 in 2017, it could probably exceed two before the middle of the twenty-first century.

The exceedance day can also be calculated on a country scale. In France, the overshoot occurred this year on May 5. If a country’s overshoot day occurs earlier than the global exceedance day, it means that this country has a higher domestic consumption than the global average.

If all the world’s population consumed renewable resources like France, humanity would increase its ecological deficit. It would take 2.9 Earths to sustain humanity if everyone lived like the French.

According to the World Wildlife Fund’s yearly “Living Planet Report,” which assesses our ecological impact, we will require a second planet by 2030 and the equivalent of 2.8 planets by 2050 to fulfill our material requirements if things carry on in the same vein.

Why Are We Overshooting Earth?

Over-fishing.

Overfishing is commonly described as the tragedy of the commons, which occurs when a shared, restricted resource is depleted as a result of people acting in self-interest for short-term benefit. Fish do not belong to anybody or any country since they are not restricted to a certain location, such as inside national borders. Even if one country restricts its capture, others are likely to compensate.

Growing population.

The U.S. population multiplied from 130 million to more than 260 million during the past 60 years and is calculated to double again to 520 million throughout the next 60 years based on the current rate of increase of 1.1 percent per year.

Overpopulation has been seen through the significant rise in human activity—damming of rivers, rising water usage, expansion of agriculture, increasing use of irrigation and fertilizers, loss of forests, and more motor vehicles since World War 2. There has also been a dramatic increase in the usage of coal, oil, and gas, as well as a quick increase in the amount of methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which are greenhouse gases produced by changes in land use and combustion of such fuels.

How Can You Reduce The Use Of Natural Resources?

Windmill, Trees, Sustainability, Wind Turbine, Nature
Try To Use Natural Renewable Energy Sources.

Save Water

We are new to this, and we are still repeating ourselves. We need water to survive, and the human body cannot go three days without water, which means that wasting water will be detrimental to humanity.

Some tips will be to take showers instead of a bath, of course, run shorter showers and turn off the faucet if you are not using water. Small actions will eventually add up for greater differences.

Energy Consumption

Try to look for environmentally friendly ways to consume energy; for example, opt for solar panels and wind energy.

The installation of renewable energy may cost a little more than gas but keep in mind that it is only the installation and you won’t have to pay as much each month if anything.

Recycle

Try to recycle items like plastic bottles or even cardboard. It will help in reusing the materials that you already have. You can also opt for reuse; for example, do not throw away the ice cream tubs and use them to conserve food.

Each one of us can make a difference. We need to realize the importance of preserving our natural resources. Let us know in the comments what you think of earth overshoot…

18
Aug, 2021
5 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know You Can Recycle

5 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know You Can Recycle

When you’ve got to throw away batteries, cardboard boxes and plastic bottles, the word “recycling” comes instantly to your mind, isn’t it?

But, what about diapers and used bras?

Or, better an old toilet?

As strange as it might sound, these items can be recycled rather than being thrown in landfills.

#1. An Old Toilet

An Old Toilet

In the last few years, I’ve seen a considerable number of old toilets being collected as trash.

Want to know what I find so wrong about it?

There seemed to be absolutely no damage to the porcelain – no cracks or chips.

With a little refurbishing here and there and it could have smelled like brand new.

Look, I’m not asking you to hold on to a 30-year-old toilet, but if it isn’t cracked, donating it to a recycling facility can be considered as a ridiculously easy way to help save the planet.

Your thought: But, what exactly do they gain by recycling toilets?

I was told that the porcelain is converted into concrete, which is then used for roads and sidewalks.

Out of all recycling centers, one popular facility you can approach is Habitat for Humanity.

#2. Cigarette Waste

Cigarette Waste

The closest you can get to the efficient disposal of cigarettes is to make sure they are completely cool, avoid toilets and gutters and go straight for landfill trash.

Did you know you could go more eco-friendly?

Uh, no. How exactly?

See, TerraCycle, a waste management company based in the US, came up with a brilliant strategy of recycling cigarette waste into a wide range of industrial products like plastic pallets.

Back in the early wild and woolly days, when sustainability and green lifestyle were introduced, the concept of recycling cigarette waste would have been seen as unrealistic.

Yet, here we are today, where extinguished cigarettes, cigar stubs, outer plastic packaging, inner foil packaging, rolling paper and even the ash are being molded to usable plastic products.

#3. Used Toothbrush

Used Toothbrush

If you take an average American, you’d learn that they can throw up to 300 toothbrushes in their lifetime.

Woah…that’s a lot!

If you take it from a dentist’s perspective, bristles can be worn out after 2-3 months of use, rendering your toothbrush completely useless and inefficient in the removal of harmful dental plaque.

And, if you look at it from a consumer’s point of view, it’s not such a big deal to purchase a new toothbrush for they are quite cheap.

But, if Mother Nature enters the chat, you’d realize that throwing billions of toothbrushes can lead to a significant increase in the world’s already overflowing waste problem.

To avoid this sheer dilemma, Colgate and Sam’s club have come together with TerraCycle to recycle standard toothbrushes into useful stuff such as school supplies.

So, what are you waiting for? Ship them your old and used toothbrushes.

#4. Lightly Used Bras

Lightly Used Bras

They don’t fit.

They are not so-pretty-you-don’t-want-to-hide-them.

You don’t like wireless ones.

You’ve used them for too many years now.

So, what do you do then?

Let them collect dust? Or, give them away to some friends?

Either way, at some point, they’ll end up in the trash.

So, how about donating them to women in need?

Many are not aware that you’ve got women in this world who wear basically the same bras for a few months only because they cannot afford to buy a new one.

With poverty affecting a considerable number of people in the world, bras is equaled with food and seen as a luxury that these needy people cannot afford.

You don’t have the heart to throw away your used bras. Well, you can at least donate them to several institutions that collect bras and distribute them to poor women.

#5. Used Cooking Oil

Used Cooking Oil

It might sound unusual as you might be used to throwing away used cooking oil but there are several facilities that can recycle this oil.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever recycled?