Recycling
What is recycling?
Recycling is the process of
separating, collecting and
remanufacturing or converting
used or waste products into new
materials. The recycling process
involves a series of steps to produce new products.
Recycling helps extend the life and usefulness of
something that has already served its initial purpose by
producing something that is useable. Recycling has a
lot of benefits and importance not only to us humans
but especially to our planet.
What materials can be recycled?
Almost everything we see around us can be recycled.
Different materials require different techniques when
recycled. Recyclable materials commonly include
batteries, biodegradable waste, clothing, electronics,
garments, glass, metals, paper, plastics and a lot more.
What are the stages of the recycling process?
The recycling process is a cycle and is composed of
three stages. The first stage is the collecting and
sorting. In this stage, waste materials are collected and
then processed and sorted according to its type and
use. After these materials are sorted, they are ready for
the second stage, which is the manufacturing.
The manufacturing stage is the phase where the
collected and sorted materials are processed into new
reusable products. Finally, after new products are
manufactured, the next stage follows which is the
selling of the recycled products to consumers. When
the product that the consumers bought already served
its purpose, the recycling process will then again
continue as these products are collected.
Why is recycling important?
Recycling has a lot of benefits that can help people
and save the environment as well. Its importance can
be observed in many different ways. Here are some
great reasons why recycling is important:
Recycling Saves the Earth:
Recycling different products will help the
environment. For example, we know that paper comes
from trees and many trees are being cut down just to
produce paper. By recycling it, we can help lessen the
number of trees that are cut down. Products made from
raw materials that came from our natural resources
should be recycled so that we can help preserve the
environment.
Recycling Saves Energy:
It takes less energy to process recycled materials than
to process virgin materials. For example, it takes a lot
less energy to recycle paper than to create new paper
from trees. The energy from transporting virgin
materials from the source is also saved. Saving energy
also has its own benefits like decreasing pollution.
This creates less stress on own health and our
economy.
Recycling Helps Mitigate Global Warming and
Reduce Pollution:
By saving energy in industrial production through
recycling, the greenhouse gas emissions from factories
and industrial plants are lessened and the use of fuels
that emit harmful gasses during production is also
minimized. Recycling non-biodegradable waste (rather
then burning it) will contribute a lot to help reduce air
pollution and greenhouse gasses that depletes the
ozone layer.
Recycling Reduces Waste Products in Landfills:
Landfills are mostly composed of non-biodegradable
waste which takes long time to decompose. By
recycling, we can lessen the waste materials that are
placed into landfills and we are able to make the most
out of these materials. If we don’t recycle, more and
more garbage will go to landfills until they all get
filled up. If that happens, where will the rubbish be
placed? How would you like a land fill in you
backyard?
There are many companies out there that help reduce
the problem of overfilling landfills by offering options
(like ink cartridges) that make sense. When consumers
seek out companies that have established green
practices, the consumer wins by not only helping the
environment but also by saving money.
