Recycling is the reuse of materials to produce new products or other materials. The practice saves energy, reduces air and water pollution, supplies valuable raw materials, creates jobs, and supports greener technology development. In addition, it keeps waste out of landfills where it releases methane and other harmful gases into the environment.
The world’s natural resources are finite, and some are in very short supply. Recycling paper and wood conserves trees and forests, and helps prevent the loss of habitat for endangered species. Recycling plastic reduces the need for fossil fuel hydrocarbons to make new plastic, and cuts down on mining and extraction of potentially toxic metal ores. And recycling glass reduces the need for risky and damaging mining of new raw materials like sand.
Communities that effectively recycle also cut landfill tipping fees and generate significant revenue streams to support sustainable development. These revenues can be directed toward environmental initiatives like urban green spaces, tree planting programs, and waterway cleanups that improve the quality of life in neighborhoods and boost property values. Education grants and alternative transportation projects are other common reinvestments of recycling-generated funds.
Most everyday items are recyclable, including papers (with the recyclable code “P”); aluminum cans and other metals; glass bottles and jars; and certain types of plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (No. 6) used for food containers and packaging like foam peanuts. Check locally for buy-back centers, drop-off centres, and curbside collections of sorted recycling materials. And remember, recycling works best when all participants participate fully.