Recycle

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.