Many people don't know it, but the cooking oil residue The oils we frequently throw down the sink are extremely harmful to the environment. This seemingly harmless act has a direct impact on the pollution of rivers and oceans, as the oil forms a film on the surface of the water that blocks the passage of sunlight and reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen, necessary for the survival of marine life.
What happens when you pour oil down the sink?
The simple habit of disposing of used oil down the sink creates a surface layer on the water in rivers and oceans that prevents oxygen exchange. This seriously affects marine species, as this layer prevents sunlight from entering and oxygenating the water.
This problem is getting worse over time, as the amount of used oil we throw away is considerable. According to data collected by environmental organisations such as Oceana, each family of four people can generate between 18 and 24 litres of oil waste per year. Now imagine this figure multiplied by the number of families in an entire country.
The environmental impact of spilled oil
the dumping of kitchen oil Oil in the water does not only affect marine life. In wastewater treatment plants, removing oil from water is a costly and complex process. In addition, wastewater filled with grease can block pipes and damage sewage systems, thereby generating additional costs in the maintenance of urban infrastructure.
Furthermore, oil that is not properly purified can end up in freshwater bodies, where it accumulates on the surface and prevents the passage of oxygen. This causes the death of aquatic organisms necessary for the balance of ecosystems.
Oil recycling as a solution
Recycling offers an effective solution to reuse used oil and reduce the environmental impact. Both cooking oil and motor oil can be recycled, and a prominent use of recycled oil is in the production of biofuels, such as biodieselThis biofuel not only reduces the consumption of fossil fuels, but also decreases CO2 emissions.
The recycling process has a direct positive effect on environmental conservation: by using biodiesel, renewable energy is increased and the carbon footprint is reduced. Likewise, by avoiding oil discharges into the waters, marine biodiversity is protected and better water quality is promoted.
Benefits of recycling cooking oil
Recycling used oil has multiple environmental and economic benefits:
- Environmental Protection: Recycling oil minimizes waste that would otherwise end up polluting the water, affecting aquatic flora and fauna.
- Reduced CO2 emissions: Recycling one tonne of used oil can prevent the emission of up to three tonnes of greenhouse gases.
- Lower cost for water treatment plants: By preventing oil from reaching wastewater, the cost of purification is significantly reduced, which also benefits local economies.
- Prevent pipe blockages: Sanitation systems and pipes in homes will not suffer from blockages, which are common when oil is poured down the drain.
- Waste management: Recycled oil can be used to make useful products such as candles, lubricants and detergents.
- Biofuel production: Recycling produces biodiesel, a greener alternative that helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
How to recycle cooking oil correctly
Recycling cooking oil is easy, as long as you follow the proper steps. A good start is to collect the oil in plastic bottles, making sure that it is free of food residue and that the bottle is tightly closed. It is important to do this when the oil is completely cold to avoid accidents.
Once the oil has been stored, the bottles must be taken to the clean points, which are specific places set up by local councils for waste collection. There are also mobile options that collect oil on certain days and times, making recycling even easier to access.
There are local schemes that offer rewards for recycling oil, such as exchanging it for petrol or discounts on municipal services, which further motivates populations to adopt this habit.
Other ways to reuse used oil
In addition to recycling, there are alternative ways to reuse oil at home. A common option is to do Homemade soapThis practice has gained popularity for being ecological and economical. It is also possible to solidify the oil for easier handling before taking it to the recycling center.
Some people also reuse it as part of candle making or as a base for homemade creams, especially those oils that have not been used at high temperatures.
Recycling oil is an environmental necessity that has positive impacts on the environment and our economies. Every small gesture, such as collecting used oil in bottles and taking it to recycling centres, contributes to preserving biodiversity and reducing environmental pollution, promoting a more sustainable future for all.