Benefits of Recycling
Most people associate recycling with separating trash, with a limited view of what that achieves in the long run. Recycling is a lot more than throwing trash in the appropriate trash can.
In today’s consumer-driven world, the waste generated by our consumption can be a problem or opportunity, depending on how we treat it.
This is why there are many businesses clamouring to go green. A 2019 survey showed that more than 80% of consumers respect brands and companies with green initiatives.
A clear understanding of recycling, both on a personal and societal level, can go a long way in improving our approach to the process.
What is recycling?
Put simply, recycling is a process involving the separation, collection, and conversion of used materials into new products.
The three golden rules of sustainability are now a household name: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Recycling enables companies to extend the usefulness of materials by repurposing them into new products. There are tons of benefits of recycling both to the environment and us.
How will it affect the environment?
Our planet’s natural resources are finite. Recycling materials such as wood and paper helps save forests, which are essential to the planet’s ecosystem.
When we recycle plastic, there is less need for new plastic, which is non-biodegradable and hazardous.
Recycling significantly minimizes the need to extract new raw materials for manufacturing purposes. Activities such as mining, harvesting, and general extraction of raw materials are a disruption to our planet.
When we use the available resources from recycling, there is less pollution and damage to the Earth.
Less energy is required when making products from recycled material. Using less energy translates to lower carbon emissions, which goes a long way in combating global warming.
Reducing the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is highly instrumental in managing climate change.
What can be recycled?
Some of the most commonly recycled materials are:
- Plastic
- Paper
- Glass
- Biodegradable waste
- Batteries
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Metals
Why do humans recycle?
Most people cite protection of the environment as their number one reason for recycling. It is an easy task that has several benefits.
It protects the environment and boosts the economy at the same time. Aside from saving resources and helping prevent pollution, it is great for public health and the creation of job opportunities.
Is recycling necessary?
Recycling is among the pillars of global sustainability. One of the most important benefits of recycling is it helps protect the planet by reducing the need for raw materials and saving on energy.
Recycling is considered essential by most people, and it is even mandatory in some places.