Recycling is a great way to conserve resources by taking used materials and converting them into new products. It saves energy and protects the environment. Recycling reduces the need for extracting, refining and processing raw materials. All of which pollute our water and atmosphere.
The more we recycle, the less rubbish and hazardous materials end up in landfills. By now, we all should be aware of how unsustainable landfills are as a waste management solution. They are the largest source of human caused methane, a greenhouse gas that is 21 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Landfills are notorious for leaching into and contaminating soil and groundwater supplies.
Producing recycled paper lowers air pollution by 74% and water pollution by 35%. Using a recycled aluminum can lowers air pollution by 95% and water pollution by 97%. These figures should convince even the most recycling resistant person to reconsider their stance.
Recycling not only helps the environment, it creates jobs. There are 10 jobs in recycling processing for every landfill job and 25 jobs in recycling-based manufacturing. Understanding the value of recycling requires a view of the lifecycle of a product. When unwanted products are returned to manufacturers to convert into new products, it prevents pollution and destruction that occurs when using virgin materials, such as trees and precious metals that are extracted from the earth.
According to The Economist, “Low landfill fees and a fragmented waste-management system have kept the country’s recycling rate at around 34% for two decades – far lower than most rich countries.”
The DoSomething.org article; ’11 Facts About Recycling’ states that, “The EPA estimates that 75% of the American waste stream is recyclable, but we only recycle about 30% of it.”
Waste Master is a commercial waste management company located in Delaware looking to educate consumers and businesses of all sizes of the importance of recycling in creating a sustainable community. We hope to make Americans more aware of the importance of making a real commitment to recycling as much as possible.
Need to know ‘What Can Be Recycled?’ Check out this list of how to recycle over 200+ Items. Thank you to Julissa Garcia, from ‘Personal Creations’ for sharing this helpful link.
Need more help on “Going Green”? Contact the trash experts of Delaware at Waste Masters Solutions.
Share on Facebook the way you plan to Go Green in 2016. Waste Masters Solutions is a commercial waste solution and recycling company serving all of Delaware. It’s our mission to make the community aware of how important reducing, recycling, reusing is for all of us.
