Top 5 Benefits of Recycling Plastic and Other Materials
With news reports of things like the giant floating plastic island in the Pacific Ocean, many of us are starting to become more aware of our reliance on plastic.
However, plastic is everywhere. Most of our packaging and many of our modern conveniences rely on plastic. This is creating an environmental and economical disaster.
Luckily, there are many benefits of recycling plastic. If you are interested in learning more about plastic recycling, read on to learn more!
1. Reduce Ecosystem Pollution
Plastic is very bad for wildlife and the ecosystems they inhabit. It clogs rivers and streams, leaches toxic chemicals into the water and soil, and can even kill wildlife.
Plastic is not biodegradable. This means that it does not break down into natural compounds over time. Plastic stays in the environment for decades, if not longer.
2. Keep Costs Down
Another benefit of recycling plastic is that it can actually reduce the costs of items that we buy every day.
Think of it this way: new plastic costs a lot in materials and labor to produce. Recycled plastic takes care of the material costs, leading to cheaper goods. If you are interested in learning more about recycling, check it out.
This is good for both the consumer and for business. Plus, as people become more aware of their plastic consumption, recycled products can be a major selling point for corporations.
3. Reduces Landfill Waste
Our landfills are already overflowing. We have very limited space on this planet, and none of us want to live on top of a garbage dump.
Unfortunately, we still keep sending plastic waste to landfills. Recycling your plastics ensures that at least for now, you’ve saved some precious space at the dump.
Luckily, scientists are working on solutions to the plastics problem. Plastic-eating bacteria and fungi are being developed in order to chip away at both our bursting landfills and the garbage patches in the ocean.
4. Reduces Reliance on Petroleum
If you were not aware, all plastic products are made from petroleum. The same base compound that powers our cars and pollutes our air is also responsible for the plague of plastic.
If you recycle plastic, you reduce the demand for new petroleum-based products. The more people recycle, the less petroleum we need to use.
5. Conserving Natural Resources
If you’ve made it this far and are still wondering “why recycle,” the conservation of our natural resources is one of the most important benefits of recycling.
Plastic production uses up an astronomical amount of natural resources. From land for factories to water and wood used during the production process, the plastic industry is not exactly kind to Mother Nature.
The Benefits of Recycling Plastic
As you can see, plastic is one of the top-priority materials for recycling. It has a large environmental impact and plays a major role in rising economic costs.
There are many benefits of recycling plastic, but it takes everyone doing their part. Look up your local recycling plants and start doing your part today!
For more helpful tips on sustainability and living a more mindful life, be sure to check out the “Lifestyle” section of our blog. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments at any time.
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