Save the Planet - Recycle!

Picture it - you are circling the earth in the space shuttle and gazing down on our little blue planet. As you  are staring down you see some of the wonderful things built by humans on this earth, such as the Pyramids.  Unfortunately, there is also something that can be seen from space that the humans of this planet should not be proud of – the landfill in Staten Island, NY. Perhaps after seeing this from space it would encourage people to recycle!

There are massive volumes of materials that people all over the world consume each day. When we just toss it away in the garbage it has to go somewhere, usually to a landfill.  These take up very large areas and it is becoming more difficult to figure out Where will we ever put all of it. There is also the question of the long term effects it will have on the Earth later on. One way to reduce this though is to recycle what we can. That means to use it again in another form.

There are many different things that can be recycled.  Some of the major ones are:
Plastic
Glass
Metal
Paper
Rubber

You can save cans from soda and recycle them for the aluminum. Metal scraps from cars and other types of building and welding can be melted down and used again. We go through volumes of paper but it can be recycled as well. Rubber, the main source of it as waste comes from tires for vehicles, can be recycled as well to make new tires. Glass and plastic can also be recycled. All of these efforts really make a huge dent in the amount of it that ends up in landfills to be buried.

If people begin to recycle there are many benefits to the planet, such as cleaner water for drinking and bathing, and healthier plants and animals. It’s estimated that each year well over one million sea mammals, turtles, and sea birds are killed from litter. Sometimes this includes endangered species, and it could all be avoided if the population decided to recycle!

Those unfamiliar with the recycling program may be wondering what they can and cannot recycle! You can recycle glass bottles and jars, aluminum, cardboard, paper bags, newspapers, metal cans, frozen food boxes, empty aerosol cans, and much more. You cannot recycle Styrofoam packaging, sneakers, toxic product containers, and ceramics. Check with your local recycle plant to see exactly what they can handle and how to get it to them.

Large items can also be recycled, such as scrap metal from cars, siding, and window/door frames. In addition to being able to recycle these items because it is environmentally friendly, scrap yards are currently paying top prices for aluminum, copper, brass, and other such metals. Loading up a truck with scrap metal to recycle at the local scrap yard could make one a hefty profit as well as help keep the planet a little bit cleaner!

While some cities, schools, and businesses already recycle regularly, it is always a great idea to encourage those in your local area to recycle. Petitions are a great way to let local lawmakers know that many people are interested in helping in this process. It can be encouraged not only to recycle the waste of that individual town or business, but also to help by incorporating the use of recycled papers and other materials into their business methods. The more towns and businesses hear that their citizens, employees, or costumers value their recycling efforts the more likely they are to begin to recycle on a daily basis.

On a smaller level, beginning to help by recycling in at home is also a great idea. Every little bit helps. Collect old newspapers, egg cartons, and magazines instead of throwing them out each week and donate them to schools for art projects. Old clothing can always be donated to local charities instead of creating more waste in landfills, as well as old furniture. If old clothing and blankets are not in good condition, local animal shelters are always in need of these items for rags or pet bedding.

If you were to take one load per week of such items to be recycled, just think the difference it would make overall. Many schools teach students about recycling and they are happy to come home and put into practice what they have learned. Be willing to modify your behaviors in order to help them accomplish some great ways to recycle.

Remember, before polluting the earth more than it already is, there is one thing to do: recycle!  You can learn more about recycling

and get a free recycling plan at http://www.RecycleKnowHow.com.

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