More and more people are choosing beer cans or soda over the rest of the containers and, in some cases without knowing it, they are collaborating with the care of the environment. But why this?
Perhaps many people choose the beer cans consciouslyknowing that this type of packaging is more sustainable than others, since recycling is possible. But, another large percentage does it unconsciously.
What does this mean? That many subjects choose the beer and other beverage cans because they are easier to transport than larger glass containers, for example, and more resistant. Although they are not doing it to take care of the planet, they are collaborating with its protection.
Nevertheless, Aluminum cans were not always chosen or were not always linked to recycling. But, before talking about it, let’s know a little more about this material.
what is aluminum
this metal It is the third most common element on the planet. and forms 8% of the earth’s crust. It can be found mostly in rocks, vegetation and animals.
In its natural state it is found in many silicates, that is, in the most abundant minerals on the planet. As a metal, it is extracted only from bauxite, which is formed as a waste product over millions of years by the chemical weathering of rocks.
It’s one of the most used metals, after steel, due to its low density (2,700 kg/m3) and its high resistance to corrosion. In addition, it can be said that it is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, in addition to its relatively low cost.
Despite its low cost, one of the drawbacks in production with this metal is that it requires a lot of electricity, which doesn’t sound very sustainable. However, this is offset by the possibility of recycling beer cans, for example, and their long lifespan.
Photo: Adobe Stock
Aluminum cans: history
However, throughout their existence, these containers, such as beer cans were not always the same way. In the beginning they were very heavy and difficult to open.
In fact, a can opener was necessary to gain access to its interior. It was only in 1965 that its use became popular. The more they were chosen by people, the lower their weight began to be.
Little by little they began to become more popular when they learned that unlike other elements, 100% aluminum recycling was possible.
How are beer cans recycled?
The aluminum canswhatever, they have a recycling process that may vary by country. However, in general, some issues can be mentioned.
In principle it is essential that more and more people separate their waste at home and that, in the places that exist, they deposit the recyclables in the specific containers for them.
There is a global question here. Should the cans be crushed or thrown away entirely? This has to do with what in some countries it is recommended that they not be crushed to benefit the recycling chain and avoid confusion in the machinery.
However, this depends on the country, since for example in Spain they recommend that they be crushed to prevent the garbage from taking up more space. So at this point, if you have any doubts, you should know the information recommended by the corresponding Ministries or Secretariats.
Once they arrive at the recycling plants metals are separated by magnets and beer cans and other aluminum containers with eddy currents. Then, impurities and elements that could have been filtered are removed to proceed to its pressing, packed. In this step, you create bales that can weigh more than 1,000 kilos and contain approximately 65,000 canswhich are then sent to the foundry.
Photo: Adobe Stock
Once melted, the material is sent to specific factories that are in charge of the manufacturing process. In general, aluminum ingots are created that are then used to make different containers such as beer cans for example.
A curious fact is that the 75% of the aluminum that was manufactured over 125 years ago is still in circulation because it is possible to recycle aluminum infinite times without losing its properties.
This is extremely important for take care of the environment since recycling saves 70% water consumption and 95% energy consumptioncompared to making a can from new raw materials.
How to reuse beer cans at home?
Howeverbeyond the recycling process itself in the factories, it is possible to do the same at home, giving them a second useful life. This also avoids compulsive purchases since from a can of beer, for example, you can generate decorations, containers, jewelry boxes, among other things.
As is always remembered, it is not only important to know how to separate waste and deposit it in the corresponding places, but also to consider other small habits that help take care of the environment.
And it is that for a long time these issues were relegated to the great world powers and industries. However, the difference is made between everything, especially considering that man is the main cause of major environmental problems and the consequences of climate change.
5 ideas to reuse beer cans
Therefore, below we offer you 5 practical ideas so you can transform cans and give your spaces a different style.
1- Flower pot. This may be one of the easiest and most original ideas that can be done with beer cans and it cannot be missing in your home, office or wherever you want to place it. To do this, it will be necessary to cut the container in half or the length of a hook used to hang clothes.
Once ready, hook the wooden clips to the can, one next to the other and without leaving spaces, until the entire surface is covered. How has it been? You can also try colored clips that will give it a completely different style.
2- Christmas decorations. If you are one of those who enjoys the end of the year parties, cooking and making your own decorations, you should try this option. You require the necessary number of cans and a cutter. You can make different figures such as the star or snowflakes. You can help yourself with a mold to cut them.
In addition, they can be painted or left in the color that the container itself brings. Once you have the desired figure, drill and place a string to hang.
3- Jewelry box. cut one beer can to the middle or to the desired height. Once ready, it can be lined on the outside and inside and that’s it! You will have an excellent container to store rings, earrings and necklaces. Even a partition can be placed inside by gluing a lined cardboard or a piece of tin.
4- Toy phone. Many generations have learned to make toys from materials found around the home, such as cloth balls and telephones.
For this option, two cans are required whose top edge must be cut, leaving a hole the size of the diameter. At the other ends of both containers place a nail containing a string. The same should be joining both cans and voila!. Each child should have one of the containers and speak and listen through the holes.
5- Ashtray. In this case you only need to have the beer can and a cutter. So that it is not so high, you may have to cut it in half or a third. You can decorate it on the outside or make cuts along its edges and figures so that you have a super cool ashtray.
There are endless ideas that can be put into practice with aluminum cans. The important thing is to dare and try.
You already know how beer cans are recycled, so you will have one more option to choose them over the rest of the containers.
Source: ABC, El Confidencial, Ecoinventos.