We Collect Rubbish
What are the Benefits of Recycling?
Before we start looking into its benefits, it is essential to know what recycling is.
So, what is recycling?
Recycling can be described as a process of turning waste items into newer and profitable ones. There are many ways in which this can be achieved, but we will not be discussing them in this article. Recycling has been known to reduce the waste of very useful materials and the use of raw materials, at least until they have to be used. This process reduces air pollution, water pollution, and energy usage.
We need to work on recycling both in schools, homes, and workplaces because it is crucial to the health of the environment and us as humans. So, in this article, we will be looking at some of the benefits of recycling.
It helps to conserve our natural resources: The resources of the world are finite, and we have been using them rapidly. Recycling wood and paper can save forests and trees because you can always plant new trees, but ancient woodlands or virgin forests cannot be replaced if lost. Recycling more plastic means we do not need to create new ones since they are made of hydrocarbons gotten from fossil fuels. Recycling more metals means less expensive, damaging, and risky extraction of metal ores from mines. Recycling glass implies a reduction of sand usage because sands are beginning to reduce in parts of the world, even though it is hard to believe.
It protects our wildlife and ecosystem: The main aim of recycling is to reduce the need to extract, harvest, or grow raw materials all over again. This lessens the negative effects done to the environment and nature as a whole. It means fewer rivers diverted, wildlife displaced or harmed, trees cut down, and even lesser pollution of the soil, air, and water. If our wastes are not recycled, they may end up blown into seas and rivers, thereby polluting waterways and coastlines, which becomes a problem for us.
It reduces the high demand for raw materials: The world demand for new things has led to many harmful things being done to the environment and nature. For example, the high demand for wood and timber has led to people and wildlife being displaced from their natural habitats. Isn't it always better to recycle waste and let nature continue to take its course?
It saves us energy: Less energy is spent on making new products from recycled materials than making new products from fresh raw materials. Most of the time, the difference in energy dissipated is huge.
It cuts down carbon emissions that cause climate change: Since recycling usually means using less energy to process and source fresh raw materials, fewer carbon emissions occur. A reduction in the level of carbon dioxide, sulfur, nitrogen, and other harmful greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is essential for fighting drastic climatic changes. Ozone layer depletion is a significant problem we are facing due to the high emission of these gases.
Recycling is much cheaper than the waste collection and waste disposal: Some studies have shown that it is six times cheaper to recycle waste. The more recycling you do, the less waste you have, and the more money you save. This is especially good for local public services businesses and households. Also, recycling green and food waste are great because they can generate compost that will be used to grow more crops and foods.
Recycling has created more jobs for the people: Other reports published online show that recycling has been known to create a lot of jobs for individuals, especially in more advanced countries. There have always been workers for manufacturing, mining, and business companies. But, imagine adding recycling companies to the list of existing companies. Doesn't that equate to more jobs in the economy? The best thing about recycling is you do not need to be an expert in the field to try it. All you need is the drive to make nature and the environment safer for the plants, animals, and humans that live in it.
Whenever you are in doubt, always remember the three Rs that are more often being used nowadays. They are Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. We all need to learn to reduce the things we use in the first place. You do not need a million shirts or bags or shoes. It is the need for too many items that increase the demand, and invariably increase the production of these things. Increasing production is now being detrimental to the planet. The government has been burdened with what to do with so much waste in the last few years. When you use items, do not be in a hurry to discharge them quickly. Nobody is saying you should overuse, but everything should be done in moderation. Then, when you are done using some of these items, if it is possible to recycle, please go for that option. It will make the planet a better place to live in.
