Recycling Programs - The How and Why of Their Benefits

Small things can make a big difference in the successFinally, recycling programs also reduce greenhouse
rate of a recycling program. Though it may seemgas emissions, enabling countries to meet new
'simple,' having the right recycling containers canstandards for clean air and water without having to
drastically impact the effectiveness of a recyclingcompromise on costs. Recycling diverts over 70
program by offering convenience for users andmillion tons of garbage away from landfills and
easier sorting and hauling. Proper recycling bins helpincinerators. If the national recycling rate were 30%
drive green initiatives forward while simultaneouslyof all towns and businesses, that would reduce
meeting cost-effectiveness goals.greenhouse gas emissions equal to removing 25 million
Let's take a look at how these programs arecars from the road.
improving people's daily lives and hometowns as wellHow To Empower Recycling Initiatives
as how the right recycling bins make it all possible.Even with the laundry list of benefits from recycling,
Saving The Environment -- Strengthening Thecommunities have found that recycling must be 'easy'
Economyfor people in order for them to participate. One way
Green initiatives have created one of the fastestto make any recycling system more effective is to
growing industries today. For instance, for every oneuse recycling bins and containers that facilitate
job in waste management and disposal industries,convenient disposal of recyclables.
four jobs can be created in recycling and theMany people get confused with multi-stream disposal,
processing of re-used materials. Overall, 1.1 million jobsmeaning they have difficulty knowing how and when
are created annually with $37 billion in annual payrollsto separate different materials. Multi-stream recycling
from a number of green companies and programs.containers have built in compartments for instant
In terms of the environment, recycling benefits aresorting and clear labeling allows any person to use
numerous. One of the most important tie-insthem properly. Recycling bins can be constructed
between the economy and the environment isfrom a wide range of materials in order to be used in
reduced energy usage for manufacturing goods.any place, from unobtrusive plastic units in a home,
Products made from recycled raw materials useto stylish fiberglass office bins with company logos,
anywhere between 40% and 90% less energy thanand rugged heavy duty plastic and steel containers
standard manufacturing procedures. This also savesfor industrial and public use.
on the amount of goods that have to be harvested,With the right recycling bins, participation increases
making natural resources go further. When one tonwhile costs go down. A clear and concise system for
of steel is recycled, it saves 2,500 pounds of irondisposal, integrated right into the recycling containers
ore, 1,400 pounds of coal for fuel, and 120 pounds ofthemselves, helps to get everyone on board and
limestone from being mined; this is a major reductioncreates a sense of entitlement to the benefits
in environmental impact. In the end, these benefitsoffered by these programs. These two factors
help reduce dependence on foreign oil and importedtogether will help empower green initiatives into
raw materials.continued future success.