With limited natural resources and an abundant consumer demand for products, it makes sense to recycle what we have already been given. Why? It’s cost efficient, it helps us steward the environment, and it’s relatively simple to do.
A Fresh Mindset is Everything
If you think you don’t waste that much, consider the valuable resources you might be inadvertently throwing away on a daily basis. Awareness can make a huge difference, not only in our perception but in our decision-making process as well.
Still, don’t think you can make much of a difference? Check out the following commonly thrown away, yet easy to recycle materials, you might not have considered.
Here’s a List of Recyclable Materials You Likely Use Daily:
Aluminum Cans
We all have them: Think soda cans, beer cans, juice cans, you name it. And guess what? This is a product that is not only plentiful, but it’s also completely recyclable. Did you know, it takes 95% less energy to recycle old cans than it does to make new ones?
And, there’s more: Recycling aluminum cans is not just a 1-time winning situation. Aluminum can be recycled over and over again. Yep. There’s virtually no limit. It’s the recycled product that just keeps on giving.
Recycling this resource is just a no-brainer. It’s easy, plentiful and super-efficient. So, next time you start to throw away that soda can, do something useful and recycle it instead.
Plastic Bottles
Billions, yes that’s billions with a “B,” of single-serving water bottles are purchased every year. Sadly, almost all of them (approximately 80%) will be thrown into the trash, ultimately finding their way into our nation’s already overflowing landfills.
When recycling plastic bottles takes ⅔ less energy than making new ones, and it’s so easy to do, why not make this a simple, and helpful, lifelong commitment? How many single-serving plastic water bottles do you think you use daily?
Steel
Recycling steel is more than just about cans. Consider other steel products you might otherwise have thrown away. How about old auto parts, and those it’s-time-to-replace, ugly, harvest gold appliances?
Steel is a highly sought-after recyclable material. It helps the environment to recycle, and it’s also a valuable commodity.
It’s simple to do your part, to reduce the environmental footprint of steel production, by recycling.
It’s as Easy as Changing a Habit
All in all, recycling is more about education, and learning new habits, than it is a chore.
How much recycled material do you calculate you throw into an already overly burdened landfill on a weekly basis? How about annually? When considered, the numbers for any given household can be staggering. What simple things can you, and your family, do to make a huge difference?
