Recycling is a great way to conserve natural resources. When we recycle paper and other products, it reduces the need to cut down trees and dig up minerals. It also helps prevent pollutants that would otherwise be deposited into landfills or blown or washed into rivers and seas, polluting water, soil and air.
Recycling makes products from recycled materials uses significantly less energy than manufacturing them from new raw materials. For example, producing aluminum using recycled material (instead of raw materials) saves 95% of the production energy it takes to make new aluminum from bauxite ore. This reduced demand for energy can help combat climate change and other environmental problems.
When we don’t recycle, our trash cans fill up with harmful gases that leach into the environment. When these gases decompose in landfills, they produce methane and carbon dioxide that contribute to global warming and pollution of our water and air. By starting a recycling program, we can cut down on waste and minimize these harmful gases.
It’s a myth that food residue ruins recyclable materials, so don’t let your leftovers spoil a bin! However, it’s important to properly sort your items. Follow the guidelines your city or county dictates, and keep in mind that some items require special handling, such as electronics and batteries. There are also many other ways you can conserve natural resources: avoid food waste by planning meals and using leftovers, shopping secondhand, composting your food scraps, and buying products with less packaging or made from renewable materials.
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