If it were a race to produce the most waste, then the United States would be leading the pack. Over 18.5 million tons are produced each year and a majority of this could be avoided by citizens joining in a recycling program.
Yes, Americans have made great strides towards environmental protection, as 35 percent of people recycle their garbage each year and help landfills avoid the constantly overflowing recyclables that clog up the landfill. But it is not enough. Further steps need to be taken to ensure that people know how to protect their environment.
It is amazing how simple recycling can be once you know what to do. Your first step is separating your garbage waste from the recyclables. Environmental protection begins at home with you dropping the appropriate trash into its special waste bin.
It is that easy. Sometimes there is money involved, as is the case with recycling aluminum cans. You take in a bag filled with cans and you get money back. How great is that?
Many schools and work places are not part of a recycling program. However, if recycling bins were supplied and appropriately labeled for glass, aluminum cans, plastic and paper, then no doubt people would join in the recycling movement and place their garbage in the appropriate containers.
Have your employer send out a memo asking them to do so. Lead by example and always do your part. If others see your commitment, then they will likely follow suit.
Make sure you buy recycled goods. This helps recycling industries know that there are people out there who are concerned with the environment. Many of our day-to-day products can be purchased that contain recycled materials.
You can buy notebook paper made from recycled paper goods. Many detergent and household cleaning products come in bottles made from recycled plastics. By taking this small step into consumerism you can help further the cause and still have the items you need for your home.
There may not be a way to change the fact that the United States produces the most garbage of any country in the world. But considering that only thirty-five percent of the garbage is being recycled leaves a lot of room for improvement. Those numbers take time to change.
Those numbers can and will go up eventually if environmental protection becomes something that everyone is aware of and doing their part to rectify. It may start with one home but it has to spread in order for it to be effective in keeping recyclables out of our landfills. |
