To recycle means to find new uses for products after they have outlived their original purposes. In our consumer-driven society, recycling is becoming increasingly important. Statistically, America comprises about one sixth of the world’s population, but generates roughly one third of the world’s waste. America currently recycles only about one tenth of its garbage.
What do we do with all of the extra waste? It ends up dumped in the ocean or in landfills. Indeed, the Fresh Kills landfill is one of two manmade structures that can be seen from space. The other is the Great Wall of China. There are thousands of landfills in America but in recent years the landfills can’t keep up with the waste Americans generate. Statistically, one landfill reaches capacity and closes every day.
Most of American garbage is packaging. The average American also receives almost 4 millions tons of junk mail a year, most of which is thrown in the trash. Meanwhile, American businesses consume paper at a rate of 20 million tons of paper every year, a process which is made possible by cutting down 900,000,000 millions trees annually for American paper and pulp products. And this is only paper. There is also the "garbage" of wasted water, food, automobiles, computers, cell phones, and other electronics. Electronic trash is a particular issue due to the danger of some of the substances used in the products, like the plasma in plasma screen televisions.
In waste management the three "Rs" are Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Abiding by the three Rs is a matter of caring enough to make changes in business practices and behavior. People often believe that adopting environmental practices is unrealistic or preposterously expensive, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, recycling is often more cost effective than throwing usable material away because a product doesn’t have to continuously make new products. This is also true of renewable energy.
Some strides have been made in the pursuit of better resource management, but there are still a lot of problems. The biggest ones are human ignorance, the rate of consumption, and lack of motivation people feel to do anything about the circumstances. To combat this ignorance, this section of Environment Support will provide informative articles on topics surrounding recycling. We will also provide editorials, news, and evidence of what some businesses, organizations, and individuals are doing to address problems related to waste management and recycling.
Statistics for the information on the page was retrieved from the Clean Air Council Waste Facts Sheet
Company Profiles
Apple
The company was formerly known as Apple Computer Incorporate. Apple changed its name when it expanded its line of products beyond computers. Apple was originally founded in California in 1976.
WHOLE FOODS
Whole Foods is a leading retailer of natural and organic foods, drinks and other pet and household products. Starting as one small store in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market now has over 270 locations across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Recycling & Waste Management Articles
E-Waste: Earth's New Enemy
Can you remember the time when you brought your first television set, your first radio, your first computer, or your first cell phone? These electronic devices have become a household mainstay. Families used to have only one TV set, but these days, it's quite common to see a household owning two or more.
Modern Recycling in a High-tech Society
As technology progresses and most modern electronic appliances are being replaced by newer and better models, recycling and proper disposal has become a top priority for most companies since certain materials found in electronics, including battery liquids and processors, are non-biodegradable and potentially damaging to human health and the environment.
Recycling & Waste Management Editorials
Hesitations in Recycling
Recycling has long been well-liked for the most part by businesses and local communities, but it is a fact that there are still people who have some reservations about recycling. It does take education, effort and discipline. Yet, with the availability of information about recycling and the increasing urgency for each of us to participate, why are there still people who refuse to do so?
How Students Can Help Boost Recycling
Recycling is no longer something that only environmental activists practice. People from all walks of life must apply recycling to religious practice. Recycling can come from various sources, including households, schools, business and various other industries.