Pallets - They can't be that important, what do they do? Pretty much everything, if we didn't have pallets then everything would take a lot longer to move around for a start. The word itself may seem quite generic but that is because it has such a broad range of uses.
The main purpose for pallets of course is the movement of items bundled together and movable via forklift, hand lift or crane. What isn't so apparent is the material utilised. Initially everyone would generalise towards wood, but there are also a number of metal pallets constructed specifically to offer additional strength and support with heavy loads, while some manufacturers even supply plastic.
However, there are a number of additional uses for the wooden variety of pallet that some people aren't always aware about. Recycling and the utilisation of resource after it has been used is an important part of the green culture we have developed today. Wooden pallets can serve a number of useful services after their regular job has been completed.
One simple use would be to break the wood up and utilise it to border off section of a garden for vegetables, it can help provide a barrier between the slugs, bugs and other creepy crawlies whilst also assisting with keeping water focused on the specified area.
The wood utilised when constructing a pallet is often very good and once broken down it can be used to build certain objects like huts or hutch's for rabbits or maybe even a kennel for a dog if you are a really useful crafts person. Staying with the animal theme another option would be to create a bird house or bird table. Creating these would take little to no effort, whilst having the benefit of bringing some wildlife to your garden or place of work.
Another option, although not as environmentally friendly would be to break the wood down and utilise it on a wood burning fire. Sometimes the wood is untreated and burns very well. However, if the wood has been treated or painted it is important that you take advice from an appropriate expert before burning the wood as it could cause some serious health implications.
If none of the above uses seem useful then see if you can return the pallet fully constructed to the driver when they make their next delivery, this way he or she will be able to return it to the depot and will eliminate the need for the destruction of more trees to create new frames for your next delivery.
Anna Stenning is an environmental campaigner with many years of experience in green issues. Find out more about
pallets at
http://www.avatan.co.uk/
