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Read moreRead lessRecycling towards a sustainable future
On 15th November, people across the US are requested to commit to recycling. It puts forward three pledges;
- get to know the materials that are collected and recycled within in their community
- lower their personal waste by recycling more in the upcoming months
- encourage family and friends to take part
Fact: Recycling saves resources
According to the 2016 Recycling Economic Information Report 757,000 jobs were created in 2007 from recycling and within the same sector, $36.6 billion in wages were paid out while IRS received $6.7 billion in tax revenues.
How can I participate?
There are various ways you can participate in marking America’s Recycles Day:
- Support your home school, work or community by finding out what is happening in your area and being part of it. In addition, you can either register, organize or attend an event near you on this day.
- Commit to recycling by taking the pledge. This year’s pledge #BeRecycled includes to LEARN, ACT and SHARE.
- Visit a recycling plant in your area. Understand how garbage is sorted and prepared to manufacture new products.
- While purchasing products at your local store or grocery, read the labels and get products made out of recycled content.
- Learn about the benefits of recycling. This includes the economy, how recycling preserves resources and protects the environment.
- Practice waste reduction and find ways of reducing your garbage.
What are the benefits of recycling?
Recycling reduces landfills
As the population has increased in the recent decades, landfills have come under more strain with an increase of garbage and trash. Landfills leads to pollution of land and water resources. In 2014, 258 million tons of municipal solid waste was generated in the U.S. Out of this, 89 million tons were recycled and composted. This was an equivalent of 34.6 percent of the recycling rate. In comparison, Australia recycles 58% of its waste.
Conservation of natural resources
Today landfills are filled with rubber tires, old bottles and junk mail. However, resources that are used to make these materials are first being diminished. Recycling allows these items to be reused and this way the natural environment isn’t affected. In the end, recycling protects minerals, gas, oil, coal and trees. In addition, recycling lays down emphasis on using what already exists and therefore encourages research and innovation in companies.
Employment opportunities
Recycling creates thousands of jobs today as its one of the fastest growing industries. In Australia, the recycling industry is worth over $14 billion and offers jobs to over 50,000 people.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Recycling products saves energy and in turn this reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to incinerators. When waste is burned, carbon emissions are released into the atmosphere. Today earth’s temperatures are at their highest one of the main causes is greenhouse emissions. A 30% recycling rate according to a 2015 report by the EPA is equivalent to getting rid of 31 million vehicles from the road.
As we celebrate Americas Recycle Day, let's take a pledge to care more about our environment and participate in recycling. This year, remember to #BeRecycled #BuyRecycled #ReduceReuseRecycle