What you didn't know about RECYCLING
Photo: Henkel.com
Article by Ojiugo Anya
If a trusted person walked up to you with a tip for a healthier, fuller, longer life, would you take it? Of course you would. So if you had an opportunity to promote longevity of the planet, would you grab it?You should.
That's what recycling does.
RECYCLING is the process of collecting, processing and converting waste materials to new and useful materials. It is an all too familiar term but not many actually practice it.
Why recycle? What purpose does it serve?
It saves ENERGY. The manufacturing of goods using recycled materials cost way less energy than those with other raw materials.
It CONSERVES resources. The process of recycling significantly lowers the demand for other raw materials, thus conserving resources.
It reduces the quantity of waste present in LANDFILLS, which in turn decreases greenhouse gases emissions. Moreso, reducing landfills gives your community a better look aesthetically and this can attract more tourists.
It reduces air and water POLLUTION. Global warming is increasingly becoming a pain in the neck. The art of recycling reduces the effect of global warming.
It CREATES jobs. With the depressing rates of unemployment in various areas of the world, recycling is one way to make opportunities available for those willing to work.
It’s a MOOD-booster. You know how good you feel when you've just tidied your room? Recycling gives you that feeling too when you practice it! It is literally cleaning up the environment.
As we can see from the above, Recycling has proven to be beneficial for individuals, the economy and the environment. It is an important solution to many of Earth's issues and should be practiced as often as possible.
Ready to recycle but not sure what?
There are so many items that can be recycled. The common ones include cardboard, paper, glass, plastics, clothes and metal. So before you trash that bottle or paper or whatever it is, remember that it can be more beneficial if it is recycled.
How?
So many companies and organizations have recycling programs and your State or local community might also have one. If you don’t find one, did you know you could establish one right in your home. Think of Recycling as Reusing. Take an old t-shirt for example, did you know you could turn it into cleaning cloth? or used plastic bottle of coke, you could use it to harbor plants or designed into a flower holder?
Now you know, so what?
Be part of the change and say ‘No’ to waste and help save the environment!