Recycling has gained immense popularity in recent times, and rightfully so. Recycling serves to conserve resources that are naturally occurring while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions, an imperative move towards establishing a sustainable future. Its advantages go beyond environmental preservation, as it can also positively impact your finances. This article will delve into the surprising benefits of recycling that extend far beyond waste reduction- emphasizing why it should be included in everyone’s daily routine. Expect to discover how recycling can help save money and aid our efforts to improve our world.
What is recycling?
Recycling pertains to the process of reusing waste materials in a manner that allows them to be remanufactured into new, usable items. It involves segregating and converting disposed or used products by breaking them down and transforming the resultant raw materials through varied manufacturing processes that ensure zero or minimal wastage while mitigating detrimental environmental effects. In brief, recycling is critical for promoting sustainability and reducing over-reliance on limited natural resources.
Recycling involves gathering, treating, and repurposing discarded materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. These encompass substances ranging from paper to plastic and glass to metal. Recycling aims to promote a comprehensive system that extols the reuse of existing resources without necessitating any brand-new ones. We are fostering an environment that minimizes waste accumulation while conserving precious natural reserves through recycling.
The rudimentary concept of reclaiming discarded materials for repurposing has been prevalent since ancient times. Although recycling had existed for some time, it wasn’t until the 1970s that it emerged as a popular and recognized practice in North America. In our current era, numerous households and establishments nationwide participate in this admirable undertaking that prioritizes our environment’s welfare. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2018, Americans produced 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste, of which only about 69 million tons were recycled. Similarly, Canadian organizations have been working towards increasing recycling efforts to reduce waste. In 2018, Canada produced approximately 34.3 million tonnes of municipal solid waste, of which 9.2 million were diverted through recycling efforts. Organizations and governments across Canada have implemented measures such as extended producer responsibility programs, curbside recycling, and public education campaigns to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.
Let me expound upon the benefits of making this a habitual practice; we stand to gain numerous advantages. Why not delve deeper into this subject?
Environmental benefits of recycling
Recycling presents an ample amount of merits that have positive ramifications on our environment. One significant advantage is diminishing the volume of waste material in landfills, hence mitigating methane gas production – a dangerous greenhouse gas that exacerbates climate change. Additionally, it should be noted that by minimizing landfill content, we are simultaneously reducing potential water and air pollution sources that stem from those sites; which greatly assists in diminishing various pollution levels.
Recycling serves as a proactive way to conserve essential natural resources. As we recycle paper, for instance, we honour and protect trees. Recycling aluminum cans, on the other hand, helps to save considerable amounts of energy. According to statistics provided by EPA, recycling one ton of aluminum cans could save 21,000 kilowatt hours of electrical power, which is really enthusiastic as this amount can operate an entire residential home for a period spanning up to an impressive ten (10) years! Additionally, contributing to our quota regarding recycling means playing our part in reducing man’s dependence on fresh landfills and incinerators that might invariably compromise life forms and the environment if not adequately managed. This strategy ensures that negative impacts from such activities are minimized or completely eradicated.
There happens to be an additional ecological advantage to recycling in that it diminishes the quantity of energy vital for producing brand-new goods. For example, by taking part in the aluminum can recycling, we lower energy use by a staggering 95% compared to manufacturing new ones from scratch. This helps us become less reliant on fossil fuels, and gas emissions continue to decrease accordingly.
Recycling statistics
As per the data released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for 2018, the United States generated an enormous amount of 292.4 million tons of waste. Interestingly, out of this massive amount, only about 69 million tons were deemed worthy of recycling. If we delve deeper into these recycling trends and try to gain a better understanding, the following statistics might prove helpful:
In Canada, recycling efforts have been increasing steadily over the years, intending to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. In 2018, Canadians recycled about 9.2 million tonnes of municipal solid waste, around 27% of the total generated waste. However, there is still much room for improvement and more efforts are needed to increase recycling rates.
Throughout the year 2018, American individuals displayed a steadfast commitment to sustainability by participating in recycling. An overwhelming 2.1 million tons of aluminum were repurposed – equivalent to a whopping $1.5 billion in monetary value. These impressive numbers prove that the citizens of America and Canada are actively contributing towards creating a greener future for their countries and beyond.
The year 2018 saw a remarkable feat accomplished by the citizens of America as they unitedly recycled an enormous amount of paper and paperboard, summing up to a gigantic salvaging of 41 million trees. In Canada, paper and paperboard recycling accounted for 40% of the total waste diversion, with about 3.5 million tonnes being recycled.
Throughout 2018, citizens within the United States helped divert a massive quantity of plastic waste – an astounding amount totalling 3.02 million tons – away from landfills through recycling mechanisms. In Canada, recycling plastic waste is also a significant focus, with initiatives such as the ban on single-use plastics and the implementation of extended producer responsibility programs.
While acknowledging its commendable actions in environmental preservation, there remains ample scope for improvement concerning the recycling process. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) records reveal that the 2018 recycling rate in the US was merely at a modest percentile of 32.1%. Such statistics insinuate that there are still copious volumes of unredeemed waste materials in observance, and Canada faces similar challenges. Efforts towards education and awareness and developing more efficient recycling technologies and infrastructure will be crucial in achieving higher recycling rates and reducing waste in both countries.
How to recycle properly
The simplistic act of recycling must be precisely executed to retain its significance. Here are some techniques for recycling:
Before embarking on the recycling journey, it is crucial to consult your nearby recycling facilities and inquire about the materials that they accept. It should be noted that various recycling centers have different material acceptance policies; hence scrutiny beforehand would prevent any potential confusion.
Prudence would dictate that before depositing any solid waste into a recycling receptacle, you undertake to guarantee its cleanliness and dryness. This is imperative because unclean or moist recyclables can disseminate foreign particles and impair adjacent disposables within the bin.
It is advisable to detach caps or lids from bottles before recycling them. This is primarily because the caps and covers are typically produced from distinct materials compared to the bottle itself, which can lead to complexities when recycling.
It is recommended that cardboard boxes are compressed before their disposal in the recycling bin. Flattening these containers not only does it create more storage space but also allows for additional recyclable materials to be added.
Recycling tips for beginners
For individuals who are uninitiated in the practice of recycling, here are some suggestions that could aid you in embarking on this eco-friendly voyage:
- Commence on a modest scale. It is not imperative to embark upon recycling everything at once. Begin with one or two materials and gradually progress towards maximizing your efforts.
- Establish a receptacle solely intended for recycling purposes within a strategically positioned vicinity. It is essential to ensure that this bin seamlessly facilitates accessibility, increasing the probability of its utilization.
- It would be exceedingly expedient for you to categorically denote your recycling bin with a suitable label outlining the types of materials that are amendable to recycling. By so doing, you will undoubtedly bolster your recollection of what materials can undergo recycling.
- To recycle effectively, the entire household must participate in this collaborative endeavour. Engage all family members to ensure a successful team effort toward waste reduction and recycling.
- Engage in self-education by delving into the intricacies of recycling, including comprehending which objects are recyclable or not and discovering the proper procedures for recycling them.
Creative ways to recycle at home
Despite its mundane reputation, recycling offers many imaginative avenues for embracing sustainable practices within one’s domestic environment. Below are some suggestions for creatively recycling household waste:
- Leverage the utility of old jars by repurposing them as versatile storage containers. The potential use cases for these vessels are galore, ranging from storing edibles to safely housing an array of crafting supplies and sundries.
- Transforming previously unusable t-shirts into reusable cleaning rags constitutes an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to minimizing waste. Employ the simple act of slicing former attire into pieces that can double as household cleansing cloths to breathe new life into your once-worn-out wardrobe.
- Craft a composting receptacle. Composting offers an excellent solution to curbing excessive food waste while providing your garden with nutrient-rich soil.
- Consider employing vintage newspapers as an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional gift wrapping. Utilizing old newspapers in this manner reduces waste and promotes sustainability.
- Craft a nifty bird feeder by repurposing a plastic bottle. Slice an opening into the vessel’s side, top it off with delectable birdseed, and dangle it outside to offer our avian friends some much-needed sustenance.
Canadian Recycling Programs and Initiatives
There are many recycling programs and initiatives that are aimed at reducing waste and conserving natural resources. Here are some examples:
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs – EPR programs hold manufacturers responsible for collecting and recycling their products at the end of their useful life. This includes items such as electronics, tires, and hazardous household waste. Many provinces in Canada have implemented EPR programs.
- Multi-Material BC (MMBC) Program – MMBC is a producer-funded program that manages the collection and recycling of residential packaging and printed paper in British Columbia. The program is designed to increase the amount of recycled packaging and printed paper and reduce the amount that ends up in landfills.
- Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES) Program – The OES program is an EPR program that manages the collection and recycling of electronics in Ontario. The program works with municipalities, retailers, and other stakeholders to provide residents with convenient and responsible recycling options.
- Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) Program – The TSBC program is an EPR program that manages the collection and recycling of tires in British Columbia. The program is funded by a fee on the sale of new tires and works to ensure that end-of-life tires are recycled or repurposed in an environmentally responsible way.
- TerraCycle Canada – TerraCycle is a recycling company specializing in hard-to-recycle waste, such as cigarette butts, coffee pods, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The company partners with businesses and organizations to provide recycling programs for these materials, often not accepted in traditional recycling programs.
Incorporating recycling into our sustainable future is an urgent and critical matter. This proposal addresses various ecological issues, including waste reduction, conservation of natural resources, and mitigating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling impacts the environment and results in multiple economic benefits generating employment opportunities and reduced expenses for companies and local authorities alike. The conscientious application of approved recycling procedures and creativity concerning household recycling practices ultimately create lasting environmental impressions that will shape the generations ahead. Act fast on this proposition today to realize its high returns on investment!
Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash
