Hearing news about global warming, pollution, and other environmental concerns may make you want to think about what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. One of the simplest and easiest ways to have a positive impact on the environment is to recycle. If you are interested in becoming “green,” read this article for some tips about recycling.
As you may know, you can recycle glass bottles. Glass is one of the greatest materials to recycle because it does not lose strength or purity when it is recycled. Many states offer deposit programs in which you can redeem cash for recycling your glass bottles, so find out what the policy is in your state, and being “green” could also earn you some green!
Bottles made of glass are not the only bottles worth recycling. Plastic bottles are a widely used item and should always be recycled. Other plastic materials can be recycled as well, so don’t stop at just bottles! Plastic containers, like the ones given to you at restaurants with your leftovers, as well as plastic bags and plastic wrap, can also be recycled. Many grocery stores have programs in which you can recycle your plastic bags, so keep an eye out on your next shopping trip.
A less common material that can be recycled is metal. Some metals that can be recycled include steel, iron, aluminum, copper, brass, and tin. If you have scrap metal laying around, or if you are upgrading some of the appliances in your home, you can recycle metal. Most of our household appliances are made from these metals and can be either recycled, if they are no longer working, or donated, if they are working properly. Remember, donating or reusing items is also a form of recycling.
You may have heard that it is important to recycle your batteries. This is such an important material to recycle because batteries contain hazardous substances that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. When it comes to recycling your single-use batteries, you have two options. You can either take your used batteries to a household hazardous waste facility, or you can send your used batteries to one of the many mail-in programs that are offered.
One of the most important materials to recycle, that is often overlooked, is paper. Paper products are used all day in offices and homes throughout the country, and too often these products are being tossed into garbage cans. Make the commitment to recycle your old newspapers, mailed advertisements, post-its, and all other forms of paper you use throughout your day. Not only would you be saving energy and resources, but you would also be contributing to the growth of green technologies.
If you care about the impact you are having on the environment, the first step to take is in the direction of the recycling bin. Recycling can help the environment today and for generations to come. Follow the tips provided in this article, and find out more about the materials you can recycle, and you are on your way to becoming “green.”
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