Better alternatives to toxic glues & adhesives
Many items need sticking together, but are there are any alternatives to toxic glue? There are a few below, so choose the best solution for your needs.
Keep all glue (even natural versions) away from children and pets (MDI-based and Gorilla glues can be fatal if ingested). One dog almost died after chewing a ‘glossy leaflet’ (made with glue), so use a letterbox guard to help prevent accidents.
Fixits (heat-activated mending sticks)
Fixits are clever heat-activated sticks made from non-toxic bioplastics. They melt in water, then bond around small fibres, to cool and harden, to mechanically harden to form a strong grip.
They can be used to mend everything from tyre punctures to broken wheel spokes to broken straps and cables. Simple to use, and helps to avoid the need for glue. They cool quickly, so mend quickly before they go too cold to move!
Keep FixiIts away from children and pets (choking hazard). Avoid on electrical cables above 24 volts, and where temperatures would cause them to soften (exposing live wiring). Do not use to repair electronics, when connect to a live electricity supply.
Fixits reusable tape
This also has many uses, including to keep things in place. Super-strong and endlessly useful, just ensure surfaces are clean and dry before use. Do not use on porous materials (test on a discreet area).
Stored in a bamboo pouch, this sticks to smooth surfaces, then peels off.
Use plastic-fee packing tape
Tissue and Tape offers a fine line of plastic-free tape (as alternative to Sellotape). In brown or white, just use then you can recycle it alongside the boxes you used to tape up.
There are many DIY jobs that need glue, and it’s not always possible to avoid it. But when used, try to for the least toxic version.
Earth Paints cellulose adhesive
Earth Paints cellulose adhesive is plant-based and when dissolved in water, creates a nontoxic liquid adhesive with a neutral PH. It dries clear and is used for bookbinding, sizing papers and fabrics.
OkoNorm eco paper glue (for arts & crafts)
OkoNorm Eco Paper Glue is made from starch-based plant-based ingredients. This German glue is water-soluble and good for paper, cardboard and fibrous materials. Odourless and transparent.
Where to recycle toxic glue
Empty containers can go in household recycling. For any containers with remaining product, they need to go to hazardous waste at your council depot.
TerraCycle runs a community box (pool donations to pay for it). People can drop off unwanted glue sticks and other office goods. Then send off using the prepaid label to recycling into industrial items.
It’s a good way to get rid of toxic glues as a one-off program in your town, never to return! The box also accepts old pens and pencils, plastic file dividers, pencil sharpeners, rubber stamps and correction fluids (like Tippex).
