Recycling is a process that is essential in order to help save the planet from destruction. Materials are collected, sorted and then processed instead of being thrown into the garbage or dumped into a landfill.
Recycling helps save energy and also helps conserve many valuable natural resources including minerals, water and timber. Recycling also helps create jobs, as it supports the manufacturing sector.
Here our focus will be on recycling and how it can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
Basics of Recycling
Reducing means creating less waste. Reducing helps stop the problem at its very source as there will be less waste to remove in the first place. Reducing serves as the ideal way to help keep the planet clean.
Reusing consists of giving products a new lease on life. For example, you may decide to donate a product that you were thinking of throwing in the garbage so that someone else may enjoy it. Clothes, toys and furniture are just some examples of items you can donate.
An easy way to reuse an item is to use your plastic bags as garbage bags instead of just throwing them out or storing them in a closet.
As for recycling, it consists of transforming old products into new products so that they can be sold to consumers. For example, used bottles and cans are often recycled. They can be transformed into new cans or bottles or they can be used to make asphalt or bicycles.
Factors to Consider Before Recycling
First, you need to create a proper waste recycling system. An unplanned system will lead to inefficient recycling, such as poor sorting and disposal. The collection method that you employ must also be carefully prepared and implemented.
Haste makes waste, so take the time to work with ecological experts in order to learn how to collect waste safely.
Collected waste must also be stored properly. Ensure that you have the necessary materials in order to store waste safely before it can be transported to a recycling facility. An improper waste disposal system can harm the environment, including innocent animals.
Another thing you need to check is that the recycling depot that you are working with is ethical and legitimate. Some may illegally dump waste in landfills or may use questionable methods in order to cut costs and increase corporate profits.
If you work in an office then why not start by recycling paper? Unless you work in an all-digital environment you will likely have copious amounts of waste to dispose of. Make sure there are sufficient recycling containers in your office so that employees can easily dispose of paper waste.
Employees should also be encouraged to recycle. Advertise your commitment to recycling as much as possible in order to create awareness. Recycling can also help attract new clients, as most people enjoy working with clients who are environmentally conscious.
In some cases, you may need to purchase new bins or you may need to update your equipment in order to meet the increasing supply.
Adapting to new changes, such as new sorting and disposal methods, may take some time but the effort is always worth it. Perhaps monthly meetings or workshops can help workers stay up to date on the latest recycling methods and protocols.
Types of Waste that Can and Cannot Be Recycled
Bottles can always be recycled – just make sure to clean them with soap and water and replace the caps before you throw them into your recycling bin. Cans should also be scrubbed clean and the same method should be used to clean cardboard, such as old pizza boxes.
Paper, as previously mentioned, is a product that should be recycled whenever possible and remember, shredded documents can also be recycled.
Cardboard boxes and other such materials, such as paperboards, need to be flattened before you recycle them. Glass containers and bottles, as well as beverage and food containers, may also be recycled, provided they are clean.
Tangling items should be donated as they can get stuck in recycling equipment, causing them to malfunction. They can also endanger recycling workers as well. If your ‘tanglers’ are still in good condition then why not consider donating them to charity?
However, some items should not be recycled, such as food and liquid products, bagged recyclables and loose plastic bags. Plastic film and wraps, flexible packaging and polystyrene plastic and foam can’t be recycled either and cups that have plastic or wax coatings have to go in the garbage. Start using a reusable cup instead and encourage friends and workmates to do the same.
More recycling don’ts: dirty diapers. They will turn an otherwise clean bin into trash. Garage waste and medical waste should also never be recycled. They can be very hazardous to animals and the people who sort and dispose of them.
As for household items, you may be able to recycle or reuse some of them but check with a local recycling company first. If the items cannot be reused, recycled or donated then throw them in the trash. Removing waste is an easy, convenient and effective way to help save the environment.
The Future is Now
In order to help save the environment, you can try recycling each and every day. You can help conserve the natural resources that we have left in order to benefit future generations. Recycling also helps create more jobs which helps stimulate the economy.
Animals are also often harmed or killed due to hazardous waste products, so you can also help save animals by recycling. Recycling also helps save energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution.
Products that are not recycled often end up in landfills where they will rot for years, decades or even centuries in some cases. Sometimes the waste seeps into sewage systems and rivers, causing water pollution.
Waste also attracts vermin and bugs that spread diseases. By recycling, you will help the environment, reduce your carbon footprint and promote a healthier and more ethical lifestyle.
