The Importance of Recycling

The Importance of Recycling

By simple definition, recycling is converting or reprocessing waste products or material into reusable material. The concept of recycling has been around for most of human history. In the year 1031, Japanese shops first sold re-pulped paper, and that was the first recorded instance of recycled paper. During the 1750 and 1850, bronze and other metal scraps were collected by the Europeans so they could melt it and use it perpetually.

When industrialization happened, it incited a demand for cheap materials so mass manufacturing could be possible.

It was later discovered that recycling has many more advantages than just being cost effective. They are as follows:

• Recycling helps preserve the environment –

The amount of energy needed to melt recycled glass is significantly less than the amount of energy needed to melt raw materials and get the right consistency of mixed materials to make new bottles and jars. Recycling one bottle can save enough energy to power a television set for one and a half hours. This shows that material as well as energy is saved while recycling.

• Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions

When our waste is disposed of and burnt in an incinerator, it releases CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) and N₂O (Nitrous Oxide) emissions. These emissions are part of a group of greenhouse gases.  If there is less waste to burn in landfills, then there’ll be less greenhouse gases emitted.

• Recycling reduces landfill spaces

If waste is disposed of properly, meaning if materials go directly for recycling instead of being incinerated, then landfills would take up less space.

• Recycling cuts waste disposal costs

If waste is ordered, and more people know how to dispose of certain waste materials, then less money will be spent on disposal. This will then in essence help the country economically.

• Recycling empowers the public to feel like they’re apart of saving the world from the global warming epidemic. If every individual can play an active part in conservation by simply supporting a recycling course, this will be the first step to becoming an environmentally active community. We’ll also start to learn the value of each material and savor it.

Many companies like Shades of Ngwenya use recycled material to recreate beautiful and innovative artworks. Contact them for recycled trophies or glassworks today!