The Future of Chewing Gum
Most conventional gums today are far from eco-friendly. The primary ingredient, synthetic rubber, is non-biodegradable and can take up to five years to break down. Stuck to sidewalks and public places, they contribute significantly to urban litter. Besides the unsightliness, they incur massive removal costs—public cleaning services spend millions annually scraping off blobs from the […]
Celebrity Influence in the Fight Against Gum Litter
Celebrities wield significant influence over public opinion and behavior. From music and film stars to online influencers, these individuals can make or break trends with a mere mention. Their vast reach and devoted follower base make them powerful advocates for social causes. When they talk, people listen—and when they act, people often follow. Social media […]
How Social Media Can Help in the Fight Against Gum Litter
Crafting Effective Social Media Campaigns Understanding the demographics, behaviors, and preferences of the audience, one can tailor the campaign to ensure it resonates well with them. Knowing whether the audience primarily uses Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or another platform will dictate where to focus efforts. Content should be visually appealing and informative, using high-quality images, videos, […]
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 […]