21 Mar Why do we recycle?
There are many ways that recycling helps the environment. Some of the main ones include:
Reducing Landfill
The environmental problems of landfills is a difficult issue to fix. As more waste is put into landfills, the bigger the problem gets. Products that are not biodegradable or are slow to decompose can remain in landfill sites for centuries, often emitting gases that could be harmful to the environment. Keeping paper out of landfills is just one way that recycling helps the environment.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Recycling items often uses less energy than manufacturing products from virgin sources. Making paper that is using recycled pulp, for instance, is much less energy intensive than using new wood. While there are benefits to growing trees because of the carbon that they consume, this has to be offset against the damage that is done to the environment by putting paper in landfills and using energy to produce new items.
Decrease Pollution
Waste in landfills emit gases as it rots. This can pollute the environment. Anyone who has passed a landfill site during hot weather will be familiar with the smell and flies that can be found near a landfill site. Reducing the items in landfills will help to reduce the pollution that it causes. Recycling products also typically emits less carbon, thus reducing the carbon footprint of a product.
Cost
One other benefit of recycling is that there is often a significant cost savings to be made when using recycled goods. Some people find that they can make money recycling. Recycling leaves and grass, for instance, is a great way to make compost. Using homemade compost is obviously a lot cheaper than buying compost and this is a useful way to save money. Saving money through recycling ultimately helps the environment. If we see a real benefit in our pockets then we are more likely to support the recycling cause.
Courtesy of greenliving.com….
