Recycled cardboard is a versatile and eco-friendly material that has much more to offer beyond its initial function, typically for packaging or carrying products. As more and more Americans strive to become more sustainable, so cardboard recycling has taken off in the country. Indeed, along with paper recycling, cardboard recycling services are common throughout the US these days. Due to the amount of cardboard recycling that now goes on, some innovative uses of the material have emerged. Find out more about some of the lesser-known uses for recycled cardboard that cardboard and paper recycling service providers now deliver.
1. Cardboard Furniture
Yes, you read that right. Furniture made out of recycled cardboard is not only sturdy but also lightweight, making it an innovative option for sustainable living. With a bit of creativity and the right design, chairs, tables, shelves, and even bed frames can be made from layered and glued cardboard. This eco-friendly furniture is an excellent alternative for temporary setups or event decor. It's also ideal for people who frequently move, as cardboard furniture is easy to dismantle and transport from one location to the next.
2. Gardening Aids
Recycled cardboard can play a significant role in your garden. For example, shredded cardboard can be utilized as an excellent mulch, helping to retain moisture and deter weeds. Moreover, flat pieces of cardboard can be used for sheet composting or as a weed barrier in raised beds. Cardboard planters are another ingenious idea that some manufacturers make from old supplies. Because they are biodegradable, they promote a healthier root system for your plants as they decompose.
3. Low-Cost Insulation Material
Though not a substitute for professional insulation materials, cardboard can provide good a degree of thermal insulation due to its corrugated structure. This structure creates pockets of air, which help reduce heat transfer. Therefore, some cardboard recycling centers use the material for insulating outbuildings, pet homes, or older dwellings where installing conventional insulation materials may be inappropriate.
4. Emergency Shelters
The aforementioned insulating properties of cardboard also make it a strong option for making temporary emergency shelters. In many disaster-struck zones where buildings may be unsafe to re-enter, the ability to provide people with simple, foldable cardboard shelters can be life-saving. Recycled cardboard structures have been used as an immediate solution to provide protection from the elements. Some disaster relief agencies turn to cardboard recycling centers to provide them with the material they need to manufacture such temporary, fold-up shelters.
To find out more, contact a company like Mid America Paper Recycling Co.
Share20 June 2023
Recycling goes well beyond tossing your plastic bottles and aluminum cans in bins separate from your un-recyclable trash. Every little bit counts when it comes to recycling. Maybe it is time for you to consider going beyond traditional recycling in your home. You can take things that would otherwise end up in salvage yards or landfills and make something truly spectacular out of them. My site is filled with great ideas for using your "trash" to create things like wall art, furniture, children's entertainment items, and much, much more. You can save money on things that you would otherwise have to buy and have fun creating your own stuff out of recyclable materials.
