Hey, eco-warriors! 🌱

Ever stare at a battery, soft plastic wrapper, or old charger, wondering, “Can I actually recycle this?” You’re not alone! Knowing what to do with all that "stuff" can be confusing, and that’s where we come in. At Go For Zero, we’re on a mission to stop waste at its source by removing all waste from your everyday items.  However, we know a lot of companies still create waste so we've put together a free and easy-to-follow Guide to Recycling Hard-to-Recycle Items in Australia that breaks down exactly where to recycle those tricky items—and how to do it right. Along with a short one-page list of items we can recycle for you at  Go For Zero. 

Let’s dive into some recycling basics and see how even small changes can lead to a BIG impact on our planet. Spoiler alert: there’s a free guide waiting for you at the end!

Meet the 5 R's: Your Eco-Friendly Life Hack

We’re all about making sustainable habits stick, and the 5 R’s—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle—are where it all begins. Here’s how they can help you create a more eco-conscious lifestyle:

1. Refuse: Say No to Waste

This is about rejecting unnecessary items before they even make it into your life. Whether it’s a plastic straw, that extra freebie you won’t use, or excess packaging, saying “no thanks” can cut waste right at the source.

2. Reduce: Cut Back on Consumption

Let’s keep it simple. By buying less and choosing quality, long-lasting products, you save money and the planet. Buying in bulk and opting for zero-waste swaps, like reusable bags and containers, are easy ways to reduce your eco-footprint.

3. Reuse: Find New Purposes for Old Things

Got a glass jar? It’s a storage superstar! Have an old shirt? It could be used as a cleaning rag. Reusing gives items a second life, keeps waste down, and often saves you cash.

4. Repurpose: Embrace Your Creative Side

Think reusing but with a twist. Repurposing is all about using old items in fresh, unexpected ways. Turn a ladder into a bookshelf, or give a tired T-shirt a new life as tote bag. It’s like DIY meets eco-chic.

5. Recycle: Make it the Last Resort

Recycling is key, but it should come after you’ve Refused, Reduced, Reused, and Repurposed. We know it can be tricky as not everything can go in your regular recycling bin. This is where our our Guide to Recycling Hard-to-Recycle items in Australia comes in, to help you sort out what goes where so you can recycle with confidence. 

The Hidden Problem with Plastics

Did you know that only 13% of plastics in Australia get recycled? Shocking, right? And if that wasn’t bad enough, research has uncovered over 16,000 chemicals in plastics, some of which can leak into our food, water, and air. Yikes! Plastics might be convenient, but the long-term effects on our health and environment are not worth it.

Quick Wins for a Plastic-Free Life:

• Say no to single-use plastics: bring your own bags, cups, and containers.
• Choose products made from natural materials.
• Try simple swaps like reusable bottles, bamboo utensils, and plastic-free food containers.

How to Recycle the Right Way

Our Recycling Guide covers it all, from the basics of sorting recyclables to handling e-waste, soft plastics, and more. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find inside:

• Step-by-step recycling tips for items that don’t belong in your regular bin, like batteries and electronics.
• Drop-off points across Australia for e-waste and specialty recycling.
• QR codes linking you to sustainable swaps that can make a big difference in everyday life.

Why Our Recycling Guides are a Must-Have

Whether you’re a recycling rookie or an eco-pro, these guides makes it easy to level up your waste game. And the best part? Their FREE! Simply add them to your cart, and you’ll recieve an email with the downloadable guide to help you make a positive impact on the planet.

Together, we can tackle Australia’s waste problem! So, what are you waiting for?
Grab your free Guide to Recycling Hard-to-Recycle Items in Australia and one-page list of items we can recycle for you at Go For Zero, start making smarter choices today, and let’s keep Australia beautiful and green for future generations! 

With love, 

Our passionate Go For Zero team 💚