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Recycling is the process of turning old products into new products. Get into the habit of recycling in order to help reduce pollution, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions. It's important to reduce the amount of garbage being sent to landfills. Modern landfills are safer than the open-pit dumps of the past; however, available landfill space is limited in most populated areas. In addition to taking up space, the chemicals used to break down garbage can potentially leak into the local groundwater supply. Look into hiring a waste management company in Westville, IN, or in your local area to help you set up an effective recycling program for your home or business. Top Reasons to Recycle - Recycling is not a new concept. Before the 1920s most cities had programs set up to recycle up to 25% of waste materials. By 1960, the recycling rate dropped to under 8%. Recycling started regaining popularity in the 90s. Currently, approximately 30% of our nation's waste is being recycled.
- Americans are generating more garbage now than ever. Our increasing desire for convenience creates a need for more disposable products like diapers, individual food containers, and water bottles. The more we can recycle these products, the less pressure is placed on the landfills.
- Recycling is economically beneficial. The recycling manufacturing industry brings high wage jobs to cities and states throughout the country. Jobs include recyclable material collection, product manufacturing, and distribution. The recycling industry creates six times more jobs than landfill disposal.
- Recycling helps our environment by conserving energy, reducing pollution, and conserving natural resources. It's much more cost effective to make products with recycled material than to start with raw materials. The recycled materials have already been refined once; manufacturing the second time uses less energy and is much cleaner.
- The energy required to manufacture, distribute, and manage waste comes from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are the largest source of harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing to recycle and use products made from recycled materials greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions in our environment.
Types of Recyclable Products - Recycling aluminum cans uses 95% less energy than manufacturing a can from an original source. For example, recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television for three hours. Enough aluminum is thrown away every year to rebuild all commercial airplanes in the United States four times a year.
- Glass can be reused over and over again--there is no limit to the number of times glass can be recycled. Recycling one glass container saves enough energy to light a 100 watt light bulb for four hours. Glass can be melted down and turned into new products like candlesticks, vases, artwork, or glass tiles.
- Each ton of recycled paper saves 60 lbs. of air pollution. Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees and 7000 gallons of water. Most communities offer a curbside recycling program.
- Recycling all plastic containers would eliminate two billion tons of plastic waste from the landfills. Lightweight containers can be used to make fiberfill for winter coats, sleeping bags, and life jackets. Heavier containers are recycled into toys, piping, bed liners, and rope.
- Steel is the most recycled material in the world. Steel recycling can save enough energy to power 18 million homes a year. Recycled scrap metal can be used to manufacture appliances, building materials, food packaging, and home furnishings.
Recycling has a huge impact on our environment. Taking care of the environment will help protect our resources for future generations. Set up conveniently located recycling bins in your home and business. Consider keeping a container in your car to collect containers until you find a recycling bin. Set up a recycling program with help from a waste management company in Westville, IN, or in your home town.
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