Recycling has been proven over the years to be one of the best ways of environmental sustainability. If you have never recycled, you should definitely think of starting today.
As much as the idea of recycling sounds easy and doable, there are many things that must be put into place for recycling to be successful. Basically, recycling is the process of collecting and processing items that would have otherwise been thrown into the trash.
Creating the Recycling Loop
You probably know by now that the recycling sign is arrows that loop together to create a never-ending cycle. That is how recycling works. There are three steps involved:
Step 1: Collecting and processing: There are many ways that recyclables are collected. It could be at drop-off centers, by the curbsides, deposit, and refund centers. After they have been collected, they are sorted, cleaned, and processed.
Step 2: Manufacturing: There are many items that are made out of recycled waste. Even luxury items are now being made using recycled materials. Some of the common items in the house that can be recycled include newspapers and magazines, plastic, metals, wooden items, among others.
Step 3 : Buying the Recycled Items: If you want to be part of this recycling cycle, you have to embrace the idea of buying recycled items. Be part of the team that recycles, and also buys recycled items. If many people embrace this, then there will be less waste.
Benefits of Recycling
It preserves natural resources such as wood and minerals. It also reduces waste lying around that end up causing carbon emission, such as plastic. Recycling creates employment in the manufacturing and recycling sector and keeps people, especially youth actively engaged.
An eco-friendly society can strengthen the economy of the country. It also protects ecosystems and wildlife.
Challenges Facing Recycling Industry
Even though the recycling industry has made a lot of progress, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. They include:
Ignorance on recycling: Even though there have been a series of campaigns on recycling, many individuals admit that they do not know how to do it well, or that they are not sure of the benefits.
Lack of industry expertise: There are a lot of technological advancements that are needed to make the recycling process flawless. Sadly, there are not so many experts in this field.
Poor quality of recyclables: The recycling industry always has to deal with por quality of items including those that could end up being harmful to the environment.
Now that you have understood the basics of recycling, you should continue doing more research while recycling everything you can. Be part of the cycle.