IMPORTANCE

WHY IS RECYCLING IMPORTANT

There are many good reasons why we should recycle;

(i) Energy Saving

Conserving energy remains an important issue, especially with increased demand and unpredictable energy markets. Energy savings through recycling are an important environmental benefit. It almost always takes less energy to make a new product from recycled materials than it does to make it from new materials.

(ii) Reduces Gas Emissions

Energy conservation is the key ingredient in the fight against future effects of global warming. By minimizing the energy spent on industrial production, recycling also helps in reducing greenhouse gas emission. Some of the major fossil fuels used in most industries including coal, diesel, gasoline etc, emit harmful gasses such as methane, sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide to the environment. By reducing the energy used, recycling also minimizes the amount of fuel usage which in turn reduces the amount of harmful pollutants.

(iii) Reduces Water and Air Pollution

Recycling reduces air and water pollution because the recycling process reduces the amount of air pollution produced by the power plants and the amount of water pollution produced by chemicals used in the manufacturing process. If we can reduce pollution levels from the manufacturing industry by a significant level, this could have a positive impact on our health.

(iv) Conserves Natural Resources

By using materials more than once, we conserve natural resources for future generations. Recycling reduces the need for raw materials thus preserving natural resources for the future. For example, recycling 14 trees worth of paper reduces air pollutants by 165, 142 tons, recycling paper saves trees and water and making a ton of paper from recycled stock saves up to 17 trees and uses 50% less water.

(v) Reduces Landfills

Land filling is the oldest and the crudest way of disposing waste. However, this method of waste disposal has severe negative impacts on the surrounding environment. Recycling reduces the amount of solid waste going into landfills, making each landfill last longer. It also reduces the amount of harmful chemicals and greenhouse gas emissions which are released from rubbish in landfill sites.