At the beginning of this series, I talked about the importance of first taking actions to reduce the waste in your life. After reducing waste, find ways to reuse potential waste. Finally after completing those actions, you can focus on recycling.
Recycling is similar to reusing. However, with recycling you break down an object in order to create a new object. This helps reduce the use of raw materials and waste produced by the disposal of potentially useful materials.
There are two main forms of recycling: Traditional Recycling and Composting
Traditional Recycling
This is what usually comes to mind when you think of recycling. With this method, you collect specific materials and drop them off at a recycling center. These materials are then processed and manufactured into new products.
One of the reasons why recycling is emphasized as the last of the actions to perform is because recycling is limited in which materials can be processed. These materials typically consist of glass, plastic, paper, metal, textiles and electronics. Plus, additional energy resources are required to turn the old product into a new one.
Composting
According to the EPA, yard trimmings and food waste make up 26 percent of U.S. solid waste. However, much of this so-called “waste” can be put to good use and turned into nutrient-rich compost. Composting is very easy and just takes food and yard waste, something to “fluff” and turn the compost pile, space and a little enthusiasm!
Compost is a key to organic gardening and has a host of benefits, such as being an economic way to improve the quality of your soil, preventing pests and disease and educing or eliminating the need for chemical fertilizer.
Are you currently recycling in our household? Tell us about it!
