We all know what recycling is and that it is used to benefit the
environment. However, there is a lot more about this process that most
people don’t know about. Although more than 87 percent of Americans have
access to recycling programs, many people still neglect to save
reusable items or don’t know how to do it properly. Whether you are a
dedicated recycler or you are too lazy to sort out your trash, learning
more about this process can motivate you and help you to be more
appreciative of the effects it has on the environment and your
community.
Americans throw out a lot of garbage each year—more than 200 million tons. However, people only recycle about 30 percent of their trash when about 75 percent of it is actually recoverable. If people saved everything they could, this would greatly reduce the amount of waste that is dumped in landfills each year.
Some of the easiest items to recycle are bottles and jars made from glass. These glass containers can make their way to a store shelf as soon as 30 days after they have been collected. However, Americans dispose of about 28 billion jars and bottles each year. Imagine the money and resources that could be saved if all of these items were reused instead of thrown out.
Another item that can be greatly beneficial when recycled is paper. This can be reused to make other supplies such as tissue, insulation, and paperboard. However, less than half of all office paper is saved. When recycled paper is used, 74 percent less air pollution is generated and about 50 percent less water is wasted. Reusing paper can be extremely beneficial to the environment, as it also saves trees, landfill space, oil, and electricity.
Other materials that should consistently be recycled include metal and plastic. When plastic is reused, about 88 percent of the energy used to make it is saved. In addition, converting cans made of tin or steel will restore about 74 percent of the energy used to make them. This can quickly add up, as Americans use more than 100 million steel and tin cans every day. Aluminum cans should also be recovered, as each one can save the amount of energy needed to power a 100-watt light bulb for up to 20 hours.
Although recycling takes a little extra time, it can be well worth it in the end. When everyone comes together, both the community and the environment can be benefited. To learn more interesting facts about recycling, visit a recycling center in San Jose.
Americans throw out a lot of garbage each year—more than 200 million tons. However, people only recycle about 30 percent of their trash when about 75 percent of it is actually recoverable. If people saved everything they could, this would greatly reduce the amount of waste that is dumped in landfills each year.
Some of the easiest items to recycle are bottles and jars made from glass. These glass containers can make their way to a store shelf as soon as 30 days after they have been collected. However, Americans dispose of about 28 billion jars and bottles each year. Imagine the money and resources that could be saved if all of these items were reused instead of thrown out.
Another item that can be greatly beneficial when recycled is paper. This can be reused to make other supplies such as tissue, insulation, and paperboard. However, less than half of all office paper is saved. When recycled paper is used, 74 percent less air pollution is generated and about 50 percent less water is wasted. Reusing paper can be extremely beneficial to the environment, as it also saves trees, landfill space, oil, and electricity.
Other materials that should consistently be recycled include metal and plastic. When plastic is reused, about 88 percent of the energy used to make it is saved. In addition, converting cans made of tin or steel will restore about 74 percent of the energy used to make them. This can quickly add up, as Americans use more than 100 million steel and tin cans every day. Aluminum cans should also be recovered, as each one can save the amount of energy needed to power a 100-watt light bulb for up to 20 hours.
Although recycling takes a little extra time, it can be well worth it in the end. When everyone comes together, both the community and the environment can be benefited. To learn more interesting facts about recycling, visit a recycling center in San Jose.
