These days, people are growing more conscious of their daily lives' impact on the environment. Even brands and manufacturers are hopping on the bandwagon and finding more ways to implement sustainability and go "green.” One such way is upcycling. Upcycling has become popular in many industries including fashion and home decor. Recently, it has been making waves in the outdoor furniture space with recycled plastic tables being one of the most popular pieces people buy and add to their outdoor living spaces.
What makes recycled plastic tables, you ask? In this article, Let’s talk about how they’re redefining outdoor spaces.
What is Recycling?
Before we do a deep dive into recycled plastic tables for your home’s outdoor living space, let’s talk about recycling. What exactly is recycling and how is it different from upcycling? While these two terms are quite similar and have the same goal which is to reduce waste and bring new life and purpose to things that are otherwise considered waste or trash, they do differ in terms of the process used to achieve results.
Recycling is a process where materials are broken down and turned into something new. In the case of recycled plastic tables, old plastic products like milk jugs, water bottles, and other stuff are processed and turned into plastic that will be used to make plastic outdoor tables, chairs, and more. Using this process, old plastic products are saved from going into the landfill and are given a new purpose and an extended life.
The Environmental Benefits of Recycled Plastic Picnic Tables
Isn’t it interesting how we were once taught to steer clear of plastic as much as we could and now we’re being told that choosing plastic could save the environment? Ironic as it may be, it’s true that going for a recycled plastic table can indeed do some good for the environment. Here’s why.
1. Reducing Plastic Waste
Every year, humans collectively produce about
350 million metric tons of plastic waste. If we don’t do anything to curb our consumption of plastic, the number could reach as high as 1 billion metric tons by the year 2060. The scarier thing is that this plastic waste isn’t just filling up landfills anymore; they’re ending up in the oceans and other bodies of water too! By choosing to use a recycled plastic outdoor table for your backyard or patio, less plastic waste is being created to end up where they don’t belong.
2. Cutting Down on Carbon Emissions
Aside from the possibility of ending up in landfills only after a few uses, another problem with
virgin plastic products (aka fresh new plastic made from petrochemical or biomass feedstock) is that they consume a huge amount of energy and fossil fuels when they are produced. Recycling old plastic products and turning them into something new, on the other hand, uses less energy and fewer raw materials which means lower carbon emissions. The plastic tables produced from recycling have a smaller
carbon footprint than their virgin counterparts and even wood or metal alternatives.
3. Promoting a Circular Economy
Have you ever heard of the term ‘circular economy'? If you have not, let’s talk about it real quick. The term ‘circular economy’ refers to a model of production and consumption where materials and products are kept in circulation for as long as possible. Such a model of production can be achieved by creating long-lasting and durable products that would eventually require very little to no replacement, refurbishing and repairing old and broken products, and recycling and reusing products to eliminate the need to produce new ones with fresh raw materials.
A great example of this is the production of recycled plastic tables. By taking old plastic materials, processing them, and turning them into outdoor tables to complete your outdoor living space set up through a more sustainable production cycle, the need to create virgin plastic for a new table is eliminated and the lifespan of old plastic products is extended.
Why Recycled Plastic Tables Are Perfect For Your Outdoor Living Space
One of the most important things you need to look for when choosing outdoor furniture to design your outdoor living space is durability. You’ll need something that’s able to withstand the elements without deteriorating and becoming unsightly and unusable over time and recycled plastic tables are perfect for that.
1. Weather-Resistant
Wood rots and warps, metal rusts, and stone is just too heavy to use as an outdoor table. Plastic, on the other hand, is completely weather-resistant. You can leave it sitting under the hot sun or let it get soaked in the rain and, come time to use it again, it’ll still be in great condition. Isn’t that just convenient? What’s more, is that plastic doesn’t suffer from mold and mildew after being exposed to excessive moisture so you don’t have to worry about that. Go ahead and leave it out all year round. You’ll be happy to see it looking as good as ever even after battling heat, rain, wind, and snow.
2. No Splinters, No Rust
Got little ones running around your backyard all the time? We all know they love to touch things and a wooden table might get splinters into their little hands while a metal one could put rust on their hands which could potentially go into their mouth and cause serious harm. If you’re looking for a safe alternative, you should look into getting plastic outdoor tables instead. These do not rust nor develop splinters so you can let your little ones enjoy sensory play around it without any worries.
3. Minimal Maintenance
How often do you include your outdoor living area in your usual cleaning routine? If your answer is ‘rarely’ you’ll love recycled plastic outdoor tables. Aside from being safe and weatherproof, it’s also
very low-maintenance. Just take a damp rag soaked in some soap and water and wipe it down to get it looking like new again. You wouldn’t have to worry about getting it resanded, repainted, refinished, or resealed and still the color stays nice and vibrant for years!
4. Diverse Design Options
What kind of plastic table are you looking to add to your outdoor space? Are you looking for a
folding plastic table that you can stow away when not in use? Or maybe one that
looks like wicker to add a sophisticated look to your patio? Maybe something bold and bright for that pop of color to liven up your backyard? There are plastic outdoor tables that look like they’re made with wood planks, too. Interesting, isn’t it?
Although plastic used to have a bad rap, more people are now learning to love plastic again -recycled plastic, that is. And it’s not hard to see why. Recycled plastic tables are durable and built to stand the test of time (and outdoor elements), making them the perfect addition to any outdoor living space.
So, if you’re currently in the market for outdoor furniture, consider investing in recycled plastic picnic tables. Not only will you be getting a product that stands the test of time, but you’ll also be making a positive impact on the environment—one picnic at a time.
https://www.onwak.com/products/tables/plastic-table/camping-fold-in-half-table.asp
