In an educated world where more and more people are becoming aware of the negative effects of plastic on the environment, it is easier to make informed decisions about plastic products. However, do you know your stuff about plastic hangers? There’s a general misconception that hangers made out of plastic cannot be recycled when actually, there are plenty of ways you can recycle plastic hangers. From local recycling programs to more personal ways you can give old plastic hangers new life, here is a short guide to recycling plastic hangers.
In today’s world, plastic pollution has become a hot topic for environmentalists everywhere. It is a cheap material, and it is estimated that 380 million tons of the stuff are produced every year. Not to mention, reports suggest that up to 50 percent of plastic is created for single-use purposes. Studies show that around 73 percent of beach litter is plastic trash, and there are over 5 trillion pieces of plastic circulating around the oceans already. Plastic can take anywhere between 20 to 500 years to decompose, making it a huge risk to the world we live in. In fact, research shows that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the sea than fish. To help our planet become greener and more sustainable, it is important that we are responsible for our purchases and take action where possible. Whether that’s making the switch to wooden hangers or making a conscious effort to make plastic purchases from environmentally-friendly companies, significant changes will happen if everyone pulls their weight.
So, back to the question at hand - are plastic hangers recyclable? Yes! Plastic hangers are absolutely recyclable. To be certain, it is always a good idea to buy your plastic hangers from companies that care. Buying fewer plastic products is an obvious solution, yet it is unfeasible for many people. Plastic hangers are generally less expensive than hangers made with other materials, and high-quality plastic hangers can last a consumer a long time. When it comes to making plastic purchases, the key is to buy from companies with sustainable values.
Both retailers and consumers should take responsibility when it comes to plastic. Luckily, some companies have created reuse and recycling programs to help make recycling easier for their customers. For example, Mainetti’s recycling program involves reclaiming hangers for reuse and reusing plastic from old hangers to produce new ones. Buying your hangers wholesale from responsible companies will help you do your bit for the environment.
As indicated above, if you must purchase plastic hangers, it is important that you are responsible and recycle them properly. Recycling old plastic hangers can help minimize pollution and protect the world you live in. It reduces global warming and can help conserve natural resources. Not to mention, it also helps cut down the amount of waste that goes into landfill sites. By making an effort to recycle plastic hangers, you can make the world a better place.
Besides making purchases from green companies, there are plenty of other ways to recycle your hangers. When it comes to old hangers that you have had in your closet for a long time, check the recycling number of your clothes hanger. The number gives an indication of how recyclable it is. Next, you should do your research on your local area’s recycling program to make sure they recycle the type of plastic hanger you have. In many instances, you just need to put your old hangers in the recycling bin in your local area. If your local recycling organization does not take a certain type of plastics, you might have to get creative with how you recycle your hangers.
A preventative solution to avoid collecting plastic hangers is to give them back. When making a clothing purchase in a store, simply remove the hanger and hand it back to the sales clerk so that it can be reused again by the store.
A great way to recycle old hangers is to donate them to a good cause. Some charities do not take old hangers. However, you will find many local organizations that will happily reuse your plastic hangers with a quick search online. For example, the Salvation Army is a nongovernmental relief agency who helps people alleviate suffering and help people rebuild their lives after natural or man-made disasters. They have thousands of stores across the USA that need good quality plastic hangers for their second-hand clothes. Besides the Salvation Army, there are plenty of other local thrift stores that will most likely take your hangers off your hands. Additionally, you can ask other organizations in your local area. You might find that places like dry cleaners, nursing homes, shelters, hospitals, and daycare centers, might need spare hangers.
If donating plastic hangers to a good cause isn’t an option in your area, you can always give them away via Freecycle. This non-profit and grassroots movement is all about giving and receiving things for free so that less goes into landfills.
The creative types who have a knack for arts and crafts can turn old plastic hangers into things they can actually use around the home. Reusing old, discarded materials or objects is a great way to recycle, and it can help you reduce the amount of plastic that goes to waste otherwise. For example, hangers that are still in good condition but don’t go with the look of your closet can be jazzed up with a bit of paint. Alternatively, you can use soft fabric to cover it. Quality fabric can give your old hangers a whole new look, and it can also protect your clothes from rips and tears too. With a bit of crafting, plastic hangers can also be re-invented as jewelry holders, belt organizers, and picture frames too.