In the last post, we looked into the Hefty ReNew Program in Boise. This program is yet another option to reduce waste in the city, but as many of us know there is another route to reduce waste – recycling! Let’s dive into the benefits of recycling.
What Is Recycling?
Recycling has become an important aspect of modern life as people around the world recognize the importance of protecting the environment. Recycling is the process of converting used materials into new products, thus conserving natural resources and reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills. Recycling has many benefits, including conserving resources, reducing pollution, and saving energy.
What Are The Benefits Of Recycling?
One of the most important benefits of recycling is resource conservation. Recycling reduces the need for extracting, refining, and processing raw materials, which can be costly in terms of energy, water, and other resources. By recycling materials such as paper, aluminum, and glass, we can conserve natural resources and reduce the impact of resource extraction on the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that recycling one ton of aluminum can save up to 8 tons of bauxite ore and 14,000 kilowatt-hours of energy.
Another benefit of recycling is the reduction of pollution. When waste is disposed of in landfills, it can release harmful gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. These gases contribute to climate change and air pollution. Recycling can reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills and thus reduce the amount of pollution released into the environment. Recycling can even reduce water pollution by reducing the need for extracting new materials, which can lead to runoff and other forms of pollution.
Recycling can also save energy. The process of extracting, refining, and processing raw materials is often energy-intensive. By recycling materials, we can reduce the amount of energy required to produce new products. For example, recycling one ton of paper can save up to 4,100 kilowatt-hours of energy, according to the EPA. This can result in significant energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
What Are The Financial Benefits?
Recycling can also have economic benefits, not just environmental! Recycling can create jobs in industries related to waste management and recycling. According to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, recycling can create up to ten times more jobs per ton of material recycled than landfilling or incineration. And, because of the reduction in waste to landfills, recycling can also reduce the cost of waste management.
Overall, recycling has many benefits for both the environment and the economy. By conserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and saving energy, recycling can help us create a more sustainable future. There are many resources available online for people who want to learn more about recycling and how they can get involved. Evidence suggests that recycling is an important practice that can have many benefits for the environment, the economy, and society as a whole. By recycling, we can conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, save energy, and create jobs. It is important for individuals and communities to get involved in recycling and to support policies and programs that promote sustainable waste management practices.
Where Can I Learn More?
The EPA’s website provides information about recycling programs and resources in the United States. Additionally, The Recycling Partnership and Recycle Across America are both nonprofit organizations that provide resources and education about recycling, and work to promote recycling in communities throughout the United States.
What’s Next?
We’re going to talk about the weaknesses to recycling next time. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to email us at AllenWilson472@boisestate.edu or RuthJebe@boisestate.edu with your recycling and sustainability tips, tricks, questions, and concerns.