You’ve probably noticed that many products now come with packaging that indicates the degradation time of their materials, or you may have noticed that there are more and more special waste containers to separate materials. This is because every day the world becomes more aware of the importance of taking care of our planet and recycling. In this article you will learn a little more about the importance of recycling:
What is recycling?
Recycling is the preparation and reuse of waste for the manufacture of new products. The idea of reuse materials is not something that has emerged in the 21st century. There is evidence that the ancient Romans melted down old metals and in many places scrap metal workers roamed the streets to collect old pots or broken clothing.
What is it really for?
Every day we use many different raw materials, such as coal, glass, metals, oil, or wood, to create the most diverse things we need for our daily lives. But we live on a planet of finite resources and there are limited raw materials in the world, so we have to be good stewards of them.
With recycling, waste can be reused in waste plants. These salvaged materials are transformed into new raw materials through various processes. This creates a cycle in which raw materials are not wasted, but rather reused, thus protecting nature and the environment.
Unfortunately, not all residues can be recycled. In fact, there is a symbol on the products indicating that it is a reusable material and if the product lacks this mark, it is probably because it is a material that cannot be reused.
A very important fact is that approximately one in five trees worldwide is cut down for paper production. Recycling paper, then, is undoubtedly good for the environment, because not only does it save water and energy for its production, but it also does not consume new wood and it respects forestation.
Benefits of recycling for the planet
There are many reasons to appreciate the importance of recycling and make the decision to incorporate it as an everyday practice in our lives, these are some examples:
Industry pollutes the air less by reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions
With less energy consumption we generate less CO2 and reduce the greenhouse effect. In other words, recycling at home means helping the planet and contributing to the fight against climate change.
We protect our aquifers and preserve the natural habitat of many species
The dumping of household waste or waste from industry, such as textile dyes or agricultural chemicals, contributes to the pollution of some of the planet’s rivers, reducing their natural wealth and destroying the habitats of many species.
By reuse of glass, paper, or plastic there is no longer a need to use so many new raw materials to make new products
In this way, we save a significant amount of natural resources and preserve our forests, the so-called lungs of the planet, whose work is essential to decontaminate the environment. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a tree can capture up to 150 kg of CO2 annually.
Forests act as filters for small urban particles. Large areas of trees and vegetation moderate climate change. That is why we must each put our rice grain to help preserve our ecosystem, recycling is an excellent way to help preserve the environment, which is vital because this is the only world we have to live!