In today’s world, and the world-to-be of future generations, the concept of recycling is extremely important. It goes far beyond the scope of waste management that most people consider it to be. Recycling is an essential part of making our consumer-driven world work for us, rather than against us, given the expanse of waste and destruction left behind by big companies driven by profit. In light of this, the importance of recycling isn’t limited to just reducing the amount of waste at a landfill – nor is it just environmental – it stretches to a long list of economic and social ramifications.
What is Recycling?
The importance of any concept initially stems from its definition and purpose, and so is the case with the concept of recycling. Recycling can be simply defined as the converting or manufacturing of products that would otherwise go to waste. To truly understand what recycling is, the three golden rules of sustainability – that is; reduce, reuse and recycle – are the best place to start. The fundamental idea of the three golden rules and in particular, recycling, is that the majority of materials and products, like paper and plastic, used for various purposes, can be used for a new purpose, rather than trashed after fulfilling their original purpose. One of the tools needed to make this happen is a baling wire. To gain more insight, see balingwiredirect.com for cardboard baling wire information. Therefore, extending the life and usefulness of products and materials that have already served their initial purpose by returning them to raw materials and reusing them to produce something useable is vital. As the world’s natural resources are finite and mostly in short supply when compared to their demand, the idea of recycling and the other rules of sustainability becomes incredibly pertinent.
The importance of recycling
The factors that make recycling such an important concept in our world today are the benefits that society will accrue from the practice of recycling. These benefits include:
- The conservation of natural resources: As aforestated, the natural resources of the earth are finite, and when we take into account the demand from society for these resources, we find that most natural resources are also in short supply. Recycling helps to conserve natural resources so our generation can go on benefitting, while also preserving these resources for the next generation. An example is seen when paper is recycled, which leads to fewer trees being cut down.
- Protects ecosystems and wildlife: With the practice of recycling, the need to harvest more raw materials is greatly reduced. This leads to less disruption and damage to the natural world, as the reduced demand saves more trees from getting cut down, prevents harm to animals and preserves ecosystems.
- Saving energy: The process of remanufacturing or making new products out of recycled materials utilizes far less energy than the original process of making new products from raw materials.
- Reduces carbon footprint: Due to less energy being utilized when recycling, our carbon footprint and emissions are greatly reduced. This impacts several other aspects of living and environmental issues. For example, reduced carbon emissions help minimize the release of methane from landfill waste.
- Saves money: Energy isn’t the only thing that recycling saves. Recycling waste is a cheaper option than the traditional waste collection and disposal means utilized. Hence, a lot of money is saved when recycling is used.
