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because if you don't it well destroy the ozone

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1. Use Less Energy

Use less energy

Recycle

2. Cleans Up Planet / Helps the Earth

Cleans up planet

Helps the earth

Reduce trash

Reduce waste

3. Helps Animals / Protects Wildlife

Helps animals

Protect animals

4. Creates Jobs / Saves Resources

Creates jobs

Save trees

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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling reduces energy consumption because processing raw materials, like mining and refining metals, takes a lot more energy than recycling old materials

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Recycling is a pretty simple concept: take something that isn't useful anymore and make it into something new instead of just throwing it away. It can be anything from recycling old paper into new paper, to making an old hubcap into a decorative birdbath. In reality, recycling can get pretty complex -- how it interacts with our environment, our politics, our economy and even our own human behavior patterns will play a major role in the future of our planet. In this article, we'll look at what recycling is, why and how it works and some criticisms of the practice. What is Recycling?

Recycling can take many forms. On a small scale, any time you find a new use for something old, you're recycling. One example is making old cereal boxes into magazine holders [source: All Free Crafts].

Recycling becomes more important on larger scales. At this level, used consumer goods are collected, converted back into raw materials and remade into new consumer products. Aluminum cans, office paper, steel from old buildings and plastic containers are all examples of materials commonly recycled in large quantities, often through municipal programs encouraging bulk household collections.

It's rare for a recycled product to be exactly the same as the original material from which it was recycled. Recycled paper, for example, contains ink residue and has shorter fibers than virgin paper (paper made from wood pulp). Because of this, it may be less desirable for some purposes, such as paper used in a copy machine. When a recycled good is cheaper or weaker than the original product, it's known as down-cycling (or downstream recycling). Eventually, goods move so far down the recycling stream it isn't feasible to recycle them any further. After being recycled a few times, paper is no longer usable. In some cases, goods can be up-cycled -- made into something more valuable than the original product. An example of this is a company making upscale, artistic furniture pieces out of old newspapers and aluminum cans [source: Stovell Design].

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Recycling is a pretty simple concept: take something that isn't useful anymore and make it into something new. Learn about the process and the good and bad of recycling.

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EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): “Reducing waste is important for our environment. It means making less trash by rethinking how we use things and finding ways to reuse them. By cutting down on what we throw away, we can help protect the planet and save money, too.” EPA

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To report problems with our website, or to suggest improvements to our website, please use the “Contact Us” link on the page where you see a problem, or where you would like to suggest an improvement. There are “Contact Us” links at the upper right and bottom of each web page.

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The Nature Conservancy: “Trees are vital to our planet. They provide us with clean air, shade, and homes for animals. Every time we save a tree, we are helping to keep our environment healthy. Protecting forests is essential for wildlife and helps fight climate change.”

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agriculture anthropology aquaculture aquatic ecology agricultural conservation avian ecology behavior economics bioacoustics biodiversity conservation biological oceanography boreal forest carbon carbon cycling cities climate climate change climate change adaptation climate change mitigation coastal ecology coastal and marine conservation coastal habitat restoration coastal resource management coastal restoration coastal risk coastal risk and resilience community conservation community ecology community engagement community planning conservation biology conservation finance conservation for cities conservation partnerships conservation planning conservation policy conservation science conservation strategies development coral reefs coral reef ecology coral reef health decision science development by design disaster risk reduction ecological economics economics ecosystems ecosystem carbon flux ecosystem services energy energy siting and migration environmental economics environmental policy equity estuarine and watershed restoration finance fire ecology fisheries fisheries management forest ecology forest monitoring forestry forests food security freshwater and marine science freshwater conservation freshwater ecology habitat restoration human behavior human well being hydropower geographic information systems ghg emissions /removals great lakes great lakes water quality grassland songbird ecology indigenous peoples infrastructure invasive species management investing interdisciplinary ecology landscape and watershed spatial planning landscape ecology land use change land use planning lead scientists local communities marine conservation marine ecology marine policy marine protected areas marine spatial planning migratory species conservation mitigation planning monitoring natural climate solutions natural resource management nonparametric statistics ocean acidification optimal monitoring oyster reef restoration pacific islands plant phenology policy population genetics population modelling prairie butterfly ecology private lands conservation public health public land use rare species redd+ remote sensing restoration ecology return on investment rivers science synthesis and meta-analysis social monitoring socioeconomics soil soil science songbird conservation source water protection spatial ecology spatial planning spatial statistics species distribution modeling sustainable agriculture sustainable cities sustainable development sustainable forest management sustainability terrestrial ecology urban sustainability valuing nature's benefits water funds water markets water security water use welfare economics wetland restoration wildlife ecology wildlife management

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The Nature Conservancy is tackling the root causes of some of the toughest problems facing people and nature today, replicating good ideas to save many places and improve people's lives.

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World Wildlife Fund (WWF): “Protecting animals and their habitats is essential for keeping our planet balanced. Every species plays a role in its ecosystem, and when we protect them, we also protect our environment. Conservation efforts help ensure that future generations can enjoy the amazing animals we have today.”

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U.S. Department of Energy: “Using less energy is a great way to help the environment. Simple actions like turning off lights when you leave a room or using energy-efficient appliances can reduce pollution. By saving energy, we not only help the Earth but also save money on our utility bills.”

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Save money and energy at home. Learn ways to save energy and use clean, renewable energy technologies at home.

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Earth Day Network: “Cleaning up our planet starts with each one of us. Small actions, like picking up litter in your neighborhood or recycling, can lead to big changes. When we all pitch in to care for the Earth, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.”

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Brazilian youth climate leader Marcele Oliveira shares how community organizing, Global South advocacy, and collective action are driving real climate...

At a recent Earth Day cleanup event, Block by Block Philly brought residents, volunteers, local partners, and community organizations together...

The Miami Waterkeepers are making waves of change. The Earth Day Bash event cleaned up massive debris and restored habitats.

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Earth Day: The Official Site | EARTHDAY.ORG

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Visit the official Earth Day site to learn about the world's largest environmental movement and what you can do to make every day Earth Day.

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B Corporation: “Companies that focus on social and environmental goals not only do good for the planet but also create jobs. These businesses help support communities by providing employment while making a positive impact on the world.”

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B Lab is a global nonprofit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. We won't stop until all business is a force for good.

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"Recycling helps to conserve natural resources, saves energy, and reduces pollution. By recycling materials, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and lower the need for new resources, helping to protect our environment."

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Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. Recycling can benefit your community, the economy, and the environment. Products should only be recycled if they cannot be reduced or reused. EPA promotes the waste management hierarchy, which ranks various waste management strategies from most to least environmentally preferred. The hierarchy prioritizes source reduction and the reuse of waste materials over recycling.
On this page:
Benefits of Recycling

Environment

Recycling provides many benefits to our environment. By recycling our materials, we create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

Conserve natural resources: Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.

Climate change: According to the most recent EPA data, the recycling and composting of municipal solid waste (MSW or trash) saved over 193 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018.

Energy savings: Recycling conserves energy. For example, recycling just 10 plastic bottles saves enough energy to power a laptop for more than 25 hours. To estimate how much energy you can save by recycling certain products, EPA developed the individual Waste Reduction Model (iWARM).

Waste and pollution reduction: Recycling diverts waste away from landfills and incinerators, which reduces the harmful effects of pollution and emissions.

Economy

EPA released significant findings on the economic benefits of the recycling industry with an update to the national Recycling Economic Information (REI) Study in 2020. This study analyzes the numbers of jobs, wages and tax revenues attributed to recycling. The study found that in a single year, recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for:

681,000 jobs,

$37.8 billion in wages, and

$5.5 billion in tax revenues.

This equates to 1.17 jobs per 1,000 tons of materials recycled and $65.23 in wages and $9.42 in tax revenue for every ton of materials recycled. For more information, check out the full report.

Community

Environmental Justice: Across the country, waste management facilities are concentrated in underserved communities, and they can have negative impacts on human health, property values, aesthetic and recreation values, and land productivity. Recycling provides these areas with a healthier and more sustainable alternative.

International: Waste generated in the United States also affects communities in other countries. Recycled materials are exported to some countries that are not able to manage those materials in an environmentally sound manner.

U.S. Recycling System Overview

The recycling process is made up of three steps that are repeated over and over again. This creates a continuous loop which is represented by the familiar chasing arrows recycling symbol. The three steps of the recycling process are described below.

Step 1: Collection and Processing

Businesses and consumers generate recyclables that are then collected by either a private hauler or government entity. There are several methods for collecting recyclables, including curbside collection, drop-off centers, and deposit or refund programs. Visit How do I recycle... Common Recyclables for information on specific materials.

After collection, recyclables are sent to a recovery facility to be sorted, cleaned, and processed into materials that can be used in manufacturing. Recyclables are bought and sold just like raw materials would be, and prices go up and down depending on supply and demand in the United States and around the world.

Step 2: Manufacturing

After processing, recyclables are made into new products at a recycling plant or similar facility. More and more of today's products are being manufactured with recycled content.

Recycled materials are also used in new ways such as recovered glass in asphalt to pave roads or recovered plastic in carpeting and park benches.

Step 3: Purchasing New Products Made from Recycled Materials

You help close the recycling loop by buying new products made from recycled materials. There are thousands of products that contain recycled content. When you go shopping, look for the following:

Products that can be easily recycled

Products that contain recycled content

Below are some of the terms used:

Recycled-content product - The product was manufactured with recycled materials either collected from a recycling program or from waste recovered during the normal manufacturing process. The label will sometimes include how much of the content came from recycled materials.

Post-consumer content - Very similar to recycled content, but the material comes only from recyclables collected from consumers or businesses through a recycling program.

Recyclable product - Products that can be collected, processed, and manufactured into new products after they have been used. These products do not necessarily contain recycled materials. Remember not all kinds of recyclables may be collected in your community, so be sure to check with your local recycling program before you buy.

Some common products you can find that are made with recycled content include the following:

Aluminum cans

Car bumpers

Carpeting

Cereal boxes

Comic books

Egg cartons

Glass containers

Laundry detergent bottles

Motor oil

Nails

Newspapers

Paper towels

Steel products

Trash bags

Challenges to Recycling System

While the benefits of recycling are clear, the current system still faces many challenges.

Many people are confused about what items can be recycled, where they can be recycled and how. This often leads to recyclables going in the trash or trash going in the recycling bin.

America's recycling infrastructure has not kept pace with today's waste stream. Communication between the manufacturers of new materials and products and the recycling industry needs to be improved to prepare for and optimally manage the recycling of new materials.

Domestic markets for recycled materials need to be strengthened in the United States. Historically, some of the recycled materials generated in the U.S. have been exported internationally. However, changing international policies have limited the export of materials. Improving communication among the different sectors of the recycling system is needed to strengthen the development of existing materials markets and to develop new innovative markets.

We need to better integrate recycled materials and end-of-life management into product and packaging designs.

More consistent measurement methodologies are necessary to improve recycling system performance. These more standardized metrics can then be used to create effective goals and track progress.

What is Being Done?

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Transforming U.S. Recycling and Waste Management: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a historic investment in the health, equity, and resilience of American communities. With unprecedented funding to support state and local waste management infrastructure and recycling programs, EPA will improve health and safety and help establish and increase recycling programs nationwide.

National Recycling Strategy: EPA developed the National Recycling Strategy with a focus on advancing the national municipal solid waste recycling system. It identifies strategic objectives and actions to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective recycling system.

Draft Strategy to Prevent Plastics Pollution: This strategy builds upon EPA's National Recycling Strategy and focuses on actions to reduce, reuse, collect, and capture plastic waste.

America Recycles Day: Every year on November 15, EPA reminds everyone of the importance and impact of recycling through education and outreach.

Basel Convention: The United States is a signatory to the Basel Convention, but has not yet become a Party to the Convention. The Basel Convention establishes standards for the transboundary movement of various types of waste.

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Provides the the basics steps involved for recycling

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World Animal Protection works tirelessly to protect animals from suffering and exploitation in various contexts, including wildlife, farm animals, and those in disaster situations. Their initiatives aim to influence governments and industries to adopt humane practices and policies. By educating the public and promoting awareness, they empower individuals to take action, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about animal welfare issues. Supporting organizations like World Animal Protection not only helps alleviate animal suffering but also contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, fostering a healthier planet for all living beings. You can learn more about their work a

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Together, we will change the way the world works, to end animal cruelty and suffering. Forever.