Some people think that one person can’t make a difference, but in the case of recycling, one person can make all the difference. On average, each American produces approximately 1600 pounds of waste each year. As much as 1100 pounds of waste could be recycled each year per person, that’s over half a ton just for one person! A family of four could reduce waste by over two tons in a year just by the simple act of recycling.
You don’t need to be an environmental activist to recycle. Recycling is for everyone and it’s so easy, a bird could do it. Recycling is more than just common sense, it’s a simple way to preserve our natural resources and protect our clean air and water. We believe each of us is responsible for the impact that we make on the earth. Every single person alive today has the duty to change, to restore balance in the biosphere...there is no planet B.
Did you know that recycling helps to reduce carbon emissions, otherwise known as greenhouse gasses? What one believes about the issue of climate change is irrelevant, the evidence is clear. We all need to do our part to lessen the impact of pollution and carbon emissions. Companies that use recycled aluminium save 95% energy in the production of new aluminium products compared to companies that use raw materials. For every ton of paper that is recycled, 17 whole trees are saved. This doesn’t just save energy, it helps to combat carbon gas emissions because each tree can remove as much as 250 pounds of CO2 from the air each year.
Our landfills are overflowing at an alarming rate and we are quickly running out of space. Cities that are near the ocean have been dumping trash into the water for decades, but the oceans can no longer support this dangerous practice. As much as 60-75% of the garbage that is in US landfills could actually be recycled. What that means is that if everyone took the time to recycle, we would need 60-75% less land space for garbage in the future.
Did you know that the garbage that is in landfills can affect the local groundwater? Most landfills do not treat the garbage in any way, they just throw it into a big hole and bury it underground. Much of the trash that is thrown in the landfill is not biodegradable, and the contaminants that are found in this material can get into our water supply. This happens when rain or other run-off water from landfills makes its way into ponds, rivers, lakes or streams. It not only damages our already fragile ecosystems, but it makes this once fresh water supply dangerous to drink or use. It is no longer safe to drink from these waterways today when you are out camping or hiking.
Did you know that it takes twice as much energy to burn plastic as it does to recycle it? It also takes 64% more energy to make paper than it does to recycle and reuse it. Scientists have shown that by just recycling one pound of steel enough energy can be saved to run a 60-watt bulb for a whole day. It might not sound like a lot, but it all adds up.
so easy a bird could do it.
so easy a bird could do it.
here are some of the most common materials that you can be recycling with Eco Haus.