Recycling is not just a process of putting waste materials to good use again, but it has become a way of life for many. What recycling really means is that the sorted waste you discard every day from your home and workplace are processed to the point that the finished product is usable again. For example, tin cans are recycled to make aluminium sheets, waste paper is recycled and used again for printing. Recycling has an intonation of also having to reduce the total quantity of waste that goes to incarceration centers and landfills, plus reusing of items that otherwise would’ve been discarded after their first use.

Why do we recycle?

Sustaining a consumerist and even a materialistic lifestyle comes with a fair share of garbage volumes and an excessive use of wasting earth’s precious resources. Pushing all the garbage into a hole every time is not sustainable in the long-run. Moreover, there will be a problem in the future where the holes may extend into farms, forests and other viable resources. The landfills also cause harmful chemicals to seep into the soil, air and water; pollution is also a growing concern. Here are 13 reasons to start recycling today:

Financial Freedom.  As an alternative to ending up in a landfill somewhere, mobile phones, cartridges, and even appliances can be reused. When more items are sorted and sent to the recycling center, the overall cost of recycling is also reduced for communities.

Reduces Waste. With more people demanding for recycled products, the overall generation of waste is adversely affected. 

Conservation of Limited Resources. Recycling paper from home, office and newspapers help save millions of trees and in force help reduce the harmful effects that deforestation has on the environment. Recycling just one aluminum can saves six ounces of gasoline; therefore, recycling tins on a regular basis help with the conservation of millions of barrels of oil.

Conservation of Energy. If metals and other items were to be made from scratch the energy consumed is much higher than when the metals were recycled. For instance, it takes more energy to manufacture one aluminum can than recycling 20.

Builds Community. With the growing concern over the sustainability and especially recycling initiatives, many people are working together on various programs and organizations to support and promote the benefits of recycling.

Creates Jobs. By recycling about 10,000 tons of waste, 36 new jobs are created. These double digit jobs, compared to only 1 job for 10,000 tons being incinerated and 1 for pushing the same amount of waste into landfills should be one of the major motivators to recycle.

Less Incinerators. With recycling, the demand for incinerators decrease, which in effect, decreases the total air pollution, generally caused by these plants.

Builds Economy. Companies are now depending on recycled goods as their raw materials; moreover, the impact of overall energy, resources and time conservation supports the economy. 

Good for the Earth. Regardless of how safe landfills claim to be, there is still the danger of harmful chemicals seeping into the earth and polluting the environment. Vis-à-Vis, recycling helps restrict the total volume of toxic carbon emissions that would otherwise increase air pollution – thus, preventing global warming.

Conserves Space. As more and more waste is sent to recycling plants rather than the landfill areas, the landfill spaces are preserved for a longer duration. Therefore, the danger of using other fertile areas such as farms and forests can be averted.

Decreases Water Pollution. When materials are manufactured from raw materials that are sourced directly, rather than recycled materials, more energy is consumed and, there is an increase in water pollution as well.

Wildlife is Protected. When we recycle, there are fewer trees cut for manufacturing materials. With the preservation of more trees, rivers, and wetlands we help protect wildlife and conserve natural habitats.

It is a win-win. Recycling is truly a win-win for everyone because it provides much needed jobs, protects the planet, and conserves our use and requirement for raw materials. When we recycle we save energy and give back.