The Advantages of Recycling Materials
Recycling is the act of taking a used container that is no longer useful and transforming it into a new, reusable product instead of letting it go to waste in a landfill. By recycling, we reduce our waste, reduce the amount of energy we use, and can even prevent harmful chemicals from contaminating our soil and/or water.
Significance
In a world populated by almost seven billion people, the amount of waste produced is astronomical. In order to prevent our landfills from filling up with garbage and to conserve our energy, recycling is a must. Recycling a glass bottle saves enough energy for a computer to run for 25 minutes; recycling a plastic bottle saves enough energy to power a 60 watt lightbulb for three hours. These are just some of the examples of what recycling is capable of accomplishing.
Function
The process of recycling is often depicted in three steps. The mantra, so to speak, is "reduce, reuse, recycle." Reduce the amount of things you waste, whether it is food, packaging or other products. Reuse any containers and products that can be. Recycle items that can be recycled and are recognizable by the three arrow symbol.
Types
What types of things can be reused and/or recycled? Most containers that can be recycled have the three arrow triangle on them somewhere, with a number at the center. This number signifies whether or not the container can be recycled. Every state and country has different standards for recycling, so be sure to visit your community's recycling resource page to find out what products are recyclable.
Glass, plastic, paper, and cardboard can be recycled in most places.
Considerations
When recycling, be sure to clean out the bottles and containers before you put them in the recycling bin. Too often containers are rejected because they are dirty or messy. By simply rinsing them out in your sink, you make sure that the container will be recycled.
Potential
If we were to recycle more, so much would be possible, and many energy and environmental problems would be solved. Not only does recycling conserve energy, it also
-provides more jobs for people
-reduces the release of green house gases which are said to deplete the ozone layer and effect the climate
-conserves nature's resources such as water, minerals and wood
-preserves our planet for future generations
-reduces the need for using landfills and incinerators to burn trash
To find out more about recycling in your area or to start a recycling program, visit your community's main website for more information.
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