Zero Waste Lifestyle
The zero waste lifestyle movement aims to keep all materials out of landfills, incinerators, and the environment, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly way of living. It encourages a shift from the traditional ‘take-make-dispose’ mentality to one that wholeheartedly embraces ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’. Adherents of the zero waste lifestyle opt for products that can […]
DIY Projects with Upcycling Gum Wrappers and Packets
Shiny and Chic Bracelets You will need to flatten and prepare the gum wrappers. Ensuring they are clean and smooth, you create a better foundation for your bracelet, making the upcoming steps more manageable. Cutting these wrappers into even strips is necessary as it affects the final appearance and strength of the bracelet. Each strip […]
The History of Gum Litter and Public Awareness
The Sticky Origins of Chewing Gum Ancient Greeks found pleasure and stress relief from chewing mastic gum, a resin obtained from the bark of the mastic tree. Evidence shows that the ancient Mayans of Central America chewed chicle, a natural gum derived from the sapodilla tree, which they valued both for its refreshing taste and […]
Could Gum Bans Be Effective?
Pros of Implementing Gum Bans The most immediate benefit of enacting a gum ban is the substantial reduction in litter. With the absence of gum sales, the source of gum waste, notoriously difficult to clean and remove from public spaces, is eliminated. This approach contributes to the overall cleanliness and hygiene of public areas, making […]
How Chewing Gum Alternatives Stack Up Environmentally
Biodegradable Gums At the core of biodegradable gums is the use of natural gum bases such as chicle, which is harvested from the sapodilla tree. This approach supports sustainable farming practices. By sourcing materials from the sap of trees, producers help in preserving forests, which are vital for the planet’s ecosystem. They provide an economic […]
The Lifecycle of a Chewed Gum
The Sticky Situation Begins As pedestrians walk along, they often unknowingly step on these discarded pieces of gum. The gum gets further pressed into the pavement, making it even more challenging to remove. Over time, more individuals step on the gum, unwittingly contributing to its spread across a wider area. This spreads the problem from […]
Is Chewing Gum Recycling Feasible on a Large Scale?
To grasp the challenges and possibilities of recycling chewing gum, it’s necessary to understand what it’s made of. The gum base was derived from chicle, a natural rubber from the sapodilla tree. Most chewing gums are made from synthetic rubbers, making them more durable but also more of a headache to dispose of properly. These […]
Festivals, Events, and Gum Litter
Early Planning is Key Organizers are tasked with identifying high-traffic areas where attendees are more likely to dispose of gum carelessly. These insights are invaluable as they guide the strategic placement of disposal units and bins, making them more accessible and thus encouraging proper gum disposal. Understanding the flow of attendee movement allows for the […]
Gum Litter in the Oceans
Every day, millions of people around the world chew gum, and many dispose of it irresponsibly. Most modern chewing gums are made from synthetic rubber, similar to the plastics filling our oceans. This means they are not biodegradable. When you toss a gum piece onto the street, it’s just as bad as throwing out a […]
Volunteer Efforts in Gum Removal
Gum does not degrade over time. It clings to surfaces, accumulating dirt and pollutants, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. The removal process is neither simple nor quick. It requires specific tools and, in most cases, a whole lot of elbow grease. The challenge is daunting, but community volunteers are tackling it with determination and […]