Why does recycling matter

Landfills are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. They add few jobs. As the effects of climate change lead to more wildfires, severe droughts, sea level rise, floods, and temperature extremes, our trash costs us more than money. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recycling and composting make good use of resources, while creating new industries and 10 times more jobs than landfilling. In poll after poll and election after election - Californians say they support bold action to protect the environment because they understand the stakes.

Areas of Interest. JavaScript is required for this site to operate correctly. Please enable Javascript in your web browser and then refresh this page. In the Loop is a blog with tips, information and musings from the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.

Have an idea or suggestion? Let us know at opa calrecycle. Recycling Matters More than Ever. Here's Why More. Recycling reversed our direction We used to landfill even more. California reduced its landfill disposal by 15 percent , even though its population increased by 34 percent. California created and sustained more than , recycling jobs and a robust recycling infrastructure to help diversify local economies.

Recycling matters now more than ever Recently cynics have tried to dismiss the value of recycling because of changes in world recycling markets. When some of these items are exposed to heat, they can release toxic chemicals into the air, too, causing damage to the atmosphere.

By recycling, you can ensure that you are not contributing to this all-too-common problem. Sending your recyclables to recycling facilities ensures that they are processed appropriately and do not end up breaking down in landfills. Recycling facilities have powerful equipment that helps them sort and process materials.

They still need people to operate that equipment, though. Manpower is also required to pick out non-recyclable materials and ensure that everything goes to the right place. When you recycle, you are helping create jobs for people in your own community. This can help lower unemployment rates and provide people with access to jobs that pay living wages, health insurance, andother benefits, etc. Did you know that many charities and organizations raise money through recycling programs?

Some work with recycling facilities and receive money for recyclables that they collect. Schools often accept inkjet and toner cartridges for recycling and receive a small amount of money for each when they send them in for recycling. Donating your unused clothing and household items to charitable organizations is a form of recycling, too.

When you donate to your local thrift store or the Salvation Army, they often resell them to raise money to fund their operations. The funds raised may also be used in community outreach programs. Recycling whenever possible helps protect the environment and preserve our planet for future generations. Trash is, quite literally, taking over the world.

By recycling, you can reduce your contribution to this serious problem. Recycling materials and reusing them to make new products conserves natural resources like timber, water, and oil. It limits the amount of mining and extraction that needs to be done to remove raw materials from the earth.

Set up a separate bag or box for recyclable beverage containers only. Later, redeem them for cash or put them in your curbside recycling bin. For more information about this press release and other CRV beverage container recycling related programs, please contact the CalRecycle. Q: What is the connection between source reduction and reduction in green house gas emissions? A: Reducing the amount of paper you use is not just being cost-effective, it is taking concrete steps to reduce climate change.

More so than any other waste management option - including composting, recycling, and landfilling - source reduction helps turn back the clock on climate change. Source reduction, often called waste prevention, is any changes in the design, manufacture, purchase, or use of materials or products including packaging to reduce their amount or toxicity before they become municipal solid waste. Source reduction also includes the reuse of products or materials.

When a material is source reduced i. In addition, when paper products are source reduced, trees that would otherwise be harvested are left standing and continue to grow, removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

GHG emissions reductions resulting from source reduction of a variety of common materials are listed in the table. What can the average citizen do to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Besides reducing emissions from fossil fuels through energy and transportation efficiency, we also can help minimize climate impacts through source reduction, reuse, and recycling.

This saves energy which translates directly to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. We should all do our share to protect the earth and its atmosphere. Skip to content. Frequently Asked Questions: Benefits of Recycling. Q: Why is it important to recycle? Why It's Important As stewards of the environment, we are responsible for preserving and protecting our resources for ourselves and for future generations. Getting Back To Basics Recycling is really just common sense, and until the "modern era," it was a common household activity.

The Garbage Crisis The world has changed a lot in the past century. Q: What is recycling's greatest economic benefit? Q: What are the environmental benefits of recycling? Recycling at Stanford Conserves Energy The paper, glass, metals, plastic, and organic material Stanford recycled in saved a total of about 70, million BTUs of energy; enough energy to power nearly homes for one year. Recycling at Stanford Conserves Natural Resources By recycling over tons of paper last year, Stanford saved 32, trees.

Waste Generation Increases In , Americans generated about million tons of trash and recycled Q: Can recycling save energy?

A: Yes it can! A ton of PET plastic containers made with recycled plastic conserves about 7, kilowatt hours. Q: How much energy is saved by recycling? The energy savings applies to all recycling sectors: Aluminum. What is Source Reduction? What Can You Do? LBREgeneral-info stanford.