BENEFITS OF RECYCLING

Recycling conserves natural resources for the future. If we start reducing the amount of materials we throw away and recycle more now, we will preserve more natural environments for future generations.

Recycling prevents the emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants by reducing the amount of energy used at production plants. Recycling recovered materials, such as newspaper, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans saves more energy than from virgin materials used to produce new products.

Recycling supplies valuable raw materials to industry. Companies often use recovered recyclables to make products. For example, “most car windshield companies use recovered clear and green glass to make new windshields” (Burkhardt).

Recycling creates various jobs, including sorting recovered materials at local recycling centers, producing new products, and creating new technologies.

Recycling stimulates greener technology development. As technology advances, so do the products. The better products create a bigger demand allowing the need for businesses to produce more supply.

Recycling reduces the need for incinerators and landfills. People and the environment benefit from less pollution being exerted into the atmosphere. Recycling also lessens the burden placed upon landfills by allowing them to last longer. Thus, natural habitats are allowed to thrive without much threat due to recycling efforts.