With the global population forever increasing, in turn so does the creation of waste. Recycling is the process of turning waste into usable materials to be used again. For example waste that can be recycled includes metals like aluminium and steel, glass, paper and plastic.
Recycling has the capacity to reduce the use of natural resources and therefore reduce the already-devastating human degradation of the environment.
Recycling is just as important to people as well as to the environment. It helps reduce the need for mining, quarrying and logging. All of which harshly pollute the air and water of our planet. Recycling also saves energy and reduces greenhouse gases.
When it comes to manufacturing items using raw materials, it is usually more expensive than what it would be just using recycled materials. Not only would we save on cost if we used recycled materials more but also on energy. For example, producing paper from recycled pulp is much less energy intensive than making paper from new wood. Not to mention that growing trees is more beneficial than cutting them down, given their ability to consume the carbon in the atmosphere.
One of the most important effects of recycling is its power to reduce the strain on local landfills, more recycling, less landfill, better for the environment… Right?
Composting waste such as kitchen scraps, lawn cuttings and leaves keeping them out of a landfill. The benefits, however, are far greater, because organic waste contains nutrients that can enrich the soil. Composting encourages beneficial organisms and reduces the need for artificial fertilizers.