With the increasing pressure on us all to become environmentally aware and the need to decrease our carbon footprint, we should be considering products with a conscience. By focusing on the three ‘R’s, reduce, reuse and recycle, each and every one of us can make a significant difference.
What many homeowners don’t know is that there is one material that uses all the ‘R’s - stainless steel. It is definitely a green product, and don’t forget about its good looks and longevity. By simply choosing stainless steel, which is a low carbon steel, over non-recyclable alternatives, homeowners can actively reduce their carbon footprint.
Products that are made using stainless steel include kitchen appliances (oven & hob, fridge, washing machine, kettle, etc.) staircase rails, braais, fireplaces, gas grillers, bathroom accessories, furniture, light fittings, pots and pans, the list can go on and on...
The Stainless Steel Test
Don’t be shy to use a magnet when purchasing a stainless steel product, if it is magnetic it’s most likely NOT stainless steel.
During production, stainless steel uses scrap metal as its primary raw material, with up to 70% of the product coming from recycled material. Increased efficiency in process technology has also decreased the amount of energy required to manufacture stainless steel contributing to the preservation of our precious planet. And even if stainless steel is not recycled and it does find its way to a landfill or disposal site, it will have no detrimental effect to the soil or groundwater.
Stainless steel is 100% recyclable because the metal retains its purity for the duration of its life. It doesn't corrode and no oxides form on its surface. Stainless steel can be melted down and used again; making it a highly cost effective resource for the Stainless Steel Industry and ensuring that recycling of stainless steel is practiced worldwide. The steel retains its value even after a long life and products such as, kitchen sinks, catering equipment, exhaust systems, roofs, aircraft parts, etc., can be fully recycled after a useful life.
During the manufacturing waste water is collected, treated and used again – up to 100 times. The gases from the electric furnaces, used to melt the stainless steel, are collected via a series of ducts and then passed through a special filter where the solid particles are collected and processed for metals recovery.
So, that dream stainless steel kitchen now has the added benefit of being green and the importance of choosing green materials in this day and age cannot be over emphasised.
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