Yesterday was Earth Day, and we thought, “Why not write about ways to recycle rubber bands?” So, here we are. You might find a very few recycling centers that accept pure latex rubber bands, but by and large, the majority of rubber bands aren’t recyclable.
If you want to be conscientious of the environment, we’d like to offer you seven tips for reusing rubber bands at home.
- Want your liquid soap to last longer? Wrap the base of the pump with a rubber band to reduce the amount of soap that comes out
- Use a wide rubber band – such as the ones that hold some types of produce – to help open stubborn jar lids.
- Instead of a chip clip, use a rubber band to seal your snacks. They stay just as fresh!
- If you have clothing that’s constantly slipping off your hangers, wrap rubber bands on both sides of the shoulder area of the hanger. No more sleeveless tops on the floor.
- Does your cutting board slide around on the counter when your chopping food? Wrap a wide rubber band around each corner and it will stay in place.
- Use them as a homemade sun visor holder to corral receipts, business cards, or even your sunglasses.
- If your paper bookmarks keep falling out and you lose your place, wrap a rubber band from top to bottom on the page you last read.
Earth Day Fun Fact: Latex rubber, which comes from the rubber tree plant, is a sustainable product. Trees are six years old before tapping for rubber begins and they may be tapped for up to 28 years. The average rubber tree yields 19 pounds of latex rubber every year. When the tree has reached the end of its productivity, it’s typically cut down and the wood is used to make furniture and other products. A new sapling is planted in its place and the cycle begins again.
