Recycling is the third component of the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ campaign and is a key component of the waste reduction plan. It involves the melting down of products into their raw materials and in turn the formation of new products. Materials such as glass, metal, plastic and paper are all easily and widely recycled but the process is not without its disadvantages..
Whether or not recycling materials saves energy and money is a matter of great controversy. The argument is very difficult to resolve due to many complex factors. For example the amount of energy used in the recycling process depends hugely on the material to be recycled. Aluminum, when recycled, uses just 5% of the energy it uses to reproduce the same product from raw materials whereas paper is thought to only break even. Combine this with many other factors such as transporting materials and labor costs the argument becomes more and more complex.
Overall i feel that if the government are taking steps towards a 100% recyclable future then the benefits must outweigh the disadvantages. If we follow the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ hierarchy we are sure to make a significant difference which will change the way our planet operates for the greater good.
Where waste is created, the destination for that product does not have to be a landfill site or even a recycling plant. In fact much of what we discard can be reused within the household in many different ways. for example margarine tubs can be washed and reused to store other food sources in place of plastic Tupperware cases, reducing there need to be manufactured on such a vast scale. Equally plastic drinks bottles can be refilled and reused time and again drastically reducing there need to be reproduced.
The advantages of making these changes in our day to day lives are significant. By reusing a product continuously, we eliminate the need to replace that product if we were to dispose of it. In the short term this can lead to a small saving for every individual, which will accumulate to a larger saving over a longer period of time. In an unstable financial climate like the present these savings will be greatly appreciated and provide peace of mind to many individuals across the country.
In conclusion, reusing products is not only good for the environment but beneficial to every individual who participates through its direct link to money saving ideas.
Everyday our society is becoming increasingly aware of the harm we are constantly causing to our fragile and precious environment through the burning of fossil fuels and our petty attempts at waste management. By pausing and thinking about our actions before tossing reusable materials into a bin set for landfill, we can aim to slow down the rate of global warming and enjoy the benefits of a happier healthier habitat.
Perhaps the most efficient way to improve our currant situation is to reduce the amount of waste we produce. This is achievable, equally on a domestic and industrial scale through simple actions such as buying in moderation rather than excess. For example, across the UK a vast amount of the food stuffs we buy rots in our fridges and cupboards and is eventually discarded along with its packaging. If we simply buy what we need rather than what we want, waste production will dramatically decrease and the everyone will feel the benefits.
Each household and company play a small yet significant role in the worlds overall waste production therefore everyone must play there part to aid this worthwhile cause of protecting and prolonging the life of our precious planet.
