Did you know that plastic containers with this symbol isn't necessarily recyclable? If you look closely, you might see a number in the middle of this symbol. It could range anywhere from 1 to 7. Here's the thing. Only plastic with the numbers 1 to 2 are recycled. *gasp*

The numbers are stamped in order to identify the resin that was used to make the plastic container. The resin is just one of many ingredients to make plastic. But it's basically the resin that makes the plastic, well, plastic. Now, although resins with the numbers 3 to 7 are technically recyclable, they are much too expensive to be recycled, and manufacturers instead use virgin materials that are cheaper.

More consumers in the US and UK are catching up to this deception, and have asked manufacturers to remove the "chasing arrows" symbol, as it was misleading. I'm not sure what is the case in Malaysia yet. But a quick check on my water bottles tells me it's a number 4 (gasp!) but without the chasing arrows symbol. Check your plastic containers now, and see whether it's recyclable.

I know the government went on a campaign not too long ago to encourage recycling. But I thought it was severely unsucessful for one thing. They didn't target households, where there was the most waste, nor what to do with the stuff you collected to recycle.

From my home, there's a recycling collection centre nearby that we visit every month to dispose of our paper. And after this, I'm going to include plastic too. And for those avid milk drinkers out there, or those who buys a lot of beverages in cartons, take note. Those cartons are being bought by Alam Flora to be recycled after a singing of contract with Tetra Pak.

Another way is to also visit your local council, and get the directory for companies which recycle stuff. Everything from old batteries to computers and refrigerators. These directories are free. Or, you can always refer to here.

More to come as soon as the campaign we are working on is out.