So you put your soda cans and cardboard boxes in the blue curbside recycling bin, but then what happens?
We’ve all been told about the benefits of recycling, of which there are many! And while we believe recycling by each individual is important, we also believe large corporations need to take responsibility for the waste their products generate. Policies like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy suggest that we hold producers accountable for the end-of-life management of their products. This encourages them to design for sustainability and to fund and/or operate recycling and disposal systems for their products at the end of their lifecycle. EPR could be a huge help in combating recycling challenges and single-use product pollution.
But as of 2025, only 10 states have introduced legislation on EPR for packaging. So until a larger systematic change has been made, we as individuals can still have an impact.
Below, check out the benefits of recycling, where recycled materials go, and discover how the ethical and sustainable brands on DoneGood are utilizing recycled materials in their products.
There Are Many Benefits of Recycling, Here Are a Few
Resource Conservation:
Recycling reduces the need to extract new raw materials, protecting valuable resources like forests, minerals, and water supplies, which we need to help keep ecosystems healthy, and humans healthy!
Reduced Pollution:
The extraction, processing, and transportation of raw materials can cause pollution in our air, water, and soil, AND produce greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling can minimize these issues by using materials that have already undergone these processes.
Energy Savings:
Recycling uses less energy to produce new products than manufacturing them from raw materials. For example, recycling aluminum requires 95% less energy than producing it from virgin materials, and recycling steel reduces energy consumption by approximately 70%.
Reduced Landfill Waste:
Recycling reduces the amount of waste going to landfills, which helps to prevent methane emissions and land degradation.
Economic Benefits:
The recycling industry can generate jobs. In the US alone, recycling and reuse activities accounted for 681,000 jobs, $37.8 billion in wages, and $5.5 billion in tax revenues!
What Are Recycled Materials Used For?
While there are many issues with our current recycling system (ie. most plastic is never actually recycled), some materials are successfully put back into use, it all depends on the demand from remanufacturing facilities, brands as well as demand from consumers. The good news is, that there's a growing emphasis on a more circular economy, where products are designed for reuse and recycling, and materials are kept in use for as long as possible.
The process includes recyclable materials to be collected by a hauler or government entity, and transported to a processing facility, where they are sorted, cleaned, and prepared for further processing. Some materials, like glass and plastic, are sent to specialized plants for additional processing. Finally, the cleaned and sorted materials are sent to remanufacturing facilities, where they are made into new products.
What Kind of Products Are Made From Recycled Materials?
You likely run into products that are made from recycled materials more than you know. For example, some notebooks, newspapers, and cardboard packaging are made from recycled paper. Some glass bottles, jars, or containers are made from recycled glass. Aluminum cans are often recycled into new cans.
On DoneGood we love when our brands offer products made from recycled materials. Check out a few examples below and check out our entire collection of recycled or upcycled products here.
Discover DoneGood Brands That Are Using Recycled Materials to Make Everyday Products
Recycled Cement Bag Messenger by Malia Designs
Made from recycled cement bags, these durable messenger bags are perfect for school, work, and everyday use. Each bag is unique, featuring a 100% cotton lining and multiple zippered pockets to keep your essentials organized. Malia Designs, a verified Fair Trade Federation member, collaborates with three small, women-owned businesses in Cambodia to create these one-of-a-kind bags, ensuring fair wages and a safe, inclusive workplace. By using recycled and upcycled materials, like cement and feed bags, they help reduce landfill waste while crafting colorful, eco-friendly accessories. A portion of their profits is donated to organizations fighting human trafficking in Southeast Asia.
Sports Bra Made From Recycled Water Bottles by Seaav
Sustainability and recycling are at the core of this sports bra. Each bra is made from 10 recycled plastic bottles, which in turn diverts 10 water bottles from landfills. By using recycled materials like post-consumer recycled plastic (RPET) instead of virgin polyester, Seaav reduces emissions by 75%, water use by 90%, and energy use by 50%. This sports bra is a step toward a more responsible and sustainable future for activewear.
Sunglasses by Paper Shades
Crafted with sustainability in mind, the frames are made from 100% recycled paper! How cool. The brand Paper Shades goes above and beyond by ensuring all glues used are non-toxic and free of VOCs, and the steel used for the hinges is either recyclable or will naturally break down over 40 years. Paper Shades is dedicated to not only creating eco-friendly sunglasses but also educating and empowering consumers while challenging conventional business practices. With these stylish, sustainable sunglasses, you can look good, feel good, and contribute to a more responsible future.
Shop all Paper Shade products here.
Toddler Bike by Wishbone Design Studio
The Wishbone Bike RE2 utilizes post-consumer recycled material in an incredible way. They make incredible sustainable, award-winning bikes designed for toddlers and kids. This bike is made from recycled bottles and carpet, giving new life to products normally headed for the landfill. Their bikes are lighter, more durable, and have lower carbon emissions compared to traditional steel bikes. Also, the “Raw” color components are free of additives, ensuring exceptional recyclability.
This eco-friendly bike is built for longevity, with a 5-year warranty and a zero-waste frame and wheels. It’s repairable and can even be reprocessed into new Wishbone Bikes when you're done, talk about circularity!
Shop all Wishbone products here.
Sustainable Slides by Fleks
FLEKS is committed to sustainability, crafting their sandals and slippers from up to 85% recycled performance foam waste. The foam they use is discarded virgin foam that is originally created for performance athletic footwear that would otherwise end up being burned or sent to landfills. Because of this, these shoes are made using 99% less water than traditional EVA manufacturing (thylene-Vinyl Acetate aka foam).
So How Can I Make A Difference as an Individual?
As we've covered, it's clear that a larger systemic change is needed to reduce the amount of waste we send to the landfill. Policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) are a step in the right direction, holding corporations accountable for the waste their products generate and encouraging sustainable design. However, until such changes are implemented nationwide, every small action counts. By supporting brands that prioritize recycled materials and sustainability, we can continue to reduce waste, conserve resources, and make a positive impact on the environment. Let’s keep pushing for change, both individually and collectively, and work toward a more sustainable and circular economy.
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