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Recycling: a small act with a big impact! It’s a practice that should be embraced by everyone, regardless of whether your apartment or neighborhood provides recycling services. The good news is most local grocery stores are stepping up to the plate and offering recycling bins for various items right outside or at the front of their stores. And if you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to ask a friendly associate if they have a recycling bin accessible to the public.
By recycling, we’re actively diverting countless items from ending up in landfills. Instead of depleting more resources to create new products, recycling allows us to harness the power of reused materials. It’s a win-win for the planet and future generations.
Now, you might be wondering about the ins and outs of recycling—the what, where, and how. Well, my friend, the specifics depend on where you live and the recycling program available in your area. But fear not, because I’m here to guide you through the basics and help you maximize your recycling efforts.
So, let’s embark on this recycling journey together and uncover the tips and tricks that will make you a recycling pro! Get ready to make a positive impact on the environment, one recycled item at a time.
Let’s dive in!
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Is Recycling Good for the Environment?
Did you know that recycling plays a vital role in reducing the amount of waste destined for landfills? It’s a simple yet impactful practice that has far-reaching environmental benefits. By recycling, we contribute to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, as we are able to reuse materials that have already been produced.
Let’s take a look at some eye-opening facts:
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generate an astonishing 254 million tons of trash each year. However, thanks to recycling and composting efforts, approximately 87 million tons of this waste is diverted from landfills.
The remarkable consequence of this recycling achievement is the prevention of a staggering 186 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere. Now, that’s something to celebrate!
These statistics highlight the crucial importance of conscientiously considering the disposal of our materials. By choosing to recycle, we can make a significant impact on carbon emissions and the overall health of our planet.
So, let’s join forces and embrace the power of recycling. Each small act of recycling can contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Together, we can make a remarkable difference in preserving our environment for generations to come.
Things you CAN recycle:
- Cardboard boxes
- Make sure to fold these and lay them flat; it is easier to recycle them this way.
- Metal cans
- Plastic bottles
- Only bottled plastic (detergent bottles, water bottles, etc.)
- Glass Jars
- Paper
Related: Plastic vs. Aluminum: Which is Better?
Things you CAN’T recycle:
- Anything with food or liquid in it
- Broken glass
- Flimsy plastic (plastic bags, plastic wrap, etc.)
- When recycling bottles, make sure to screw on the cap to the bottle because it is too small to be recycled on its own.
- Pizza boxes
- Paper plates covered with oil
- Styrofoam
- Styrofoam is the worst because it could take up to a million years or never decompose, taking a toll on the environment and filling up landfills.
- If you can avoid it, that would be best! I know restaurants sometimes pack to-go orders in a styrofoam box, so remember to bring your Tupperware and ask them if they can package it in that if possible.
- Technology
- There are specific recycling programs for technology, but curbside pickup won’t take this.
- Used tissues or paper towels
What to do before recycling:
- Wash AND dry the items
- Rinse and repeat, ladies and gents!
- DO NOT put anything in your recycle bin if it has liquid or food. Make sure to always clean and dry before recycling.
What you can do to shop sustainably:
- Try to buy products made from recycled material.
- Look for the product’s recycle logo to ensure it is recyclable.
- Buy what you need, not what will be thrown out after a handful of uses.
- Refuse handouts or free stuff that 9/10 times you won’t use or need.
Recycling Near You
As I mentioned before, what your recycling program will take depends on where you live.
Here are some resources that will help you find out what you can recycle:
https://berecycled.org/search/
TerraCycle
TerraCycle is a great company focused on turning hard-to-recycle objects into new products. They are pretty pricey, so don’t feel bad if you can’t do this. This is mostly just an option for people that can afford it.
So remember to do what you can and ensure you do it correctly!
Conclusion
In conclusion, recycling is a powerful solution that enables us to make a positive impact on our environment. By diverting waste from landfills and reusing materials, we significantly reduce carbon emissions and conserve valuable resources. The facts speak for themselves, as millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide are prevented from entering the atmosphere through recycling efforts. It’s clear that proper waste disposal and recycling practices are essential for a sustainable future.
As responsible individuals, we must take the initiative to understand and participate in recycling programs available in our communities. By familiarizing ourselves with local recycling guidelines and facilities, we can maximize our recycling efforts and contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.
Remember, each recycling action, no matter how small, plays a part in conserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving our environment for future generations.
Let’s continue to prioritize recycling and inspire others to join us in this crucial endeavor. Together, we can make a significant difference and create a more sustainable world.
Thank you for reading!
Farah 🌱
