Why do we REALLY Recycle?
Proper recycling can be a daunting task at first glance. There are so many rules to recycling – which plastics to recycle, whether an object has been contaminated by food waste or not, differentiating glass from plexiglass – and, as such, proper recycling is overwhelming. Despite being overwhelming, it is still an important task to do. Not only does proper recycling uphold a standard for waste management that, to be completely frank, should be the norm, but proper recycling also helps to reduce your own carbon footprint. Your carbon footprint is, simply put, how much carbon dioxide you produce as a result of daily consumption. This includes fossil fuels, a well-known perpetrator of pollution, but many do not know that improper waste management also contributes to your carbon footprint. The production and incineration of plastics produce a large amount of CO2, further polluting our atmosphere. In short, every plastic product bought is indirectly supporting reckless pollution of our atmosphere.
Plastic in Landfills
On top of this, when plastics end up in landfills, they begin the process of biodegradation. In this process, plastics begin to break down into smaller and smaller pieces over a 500+ year time period. Once the plastic has fully broken down, it will seep into groundwater, polluting any potential drinking water. The presence of tiny plastic molecules in our drinking water may prove to have adverse health effects such as an increased risk of heart disease and potential exposure to cancer.
In an ideal world, plastic products and use of a fossil fuels are unnecessary, and everyone’s carbon footprint is zero. This is not that world. We live in a world where automobiles are our primary form of transportation, a world where use of oil is widespread, and a world where ease of access is paramount. We must all do our part to decrease our own carbon footprints and uphold a proper standard of appreciation for our environment. Please visit some of the other links below to discover more information on proper recycling and waste management.
Ways to help
Volunteer at community trash pick-ups near you!
Prevent any further pollution by properly recycling!
Local
Philly Spring Cleanup, a massive cleanup event hosted by city of Philadelphia as the city’s annual kickoff event of the cleaning season. 2021’s Spring Cleanup was held Saturday, April 10th.
Philadelphia Recycling Co., a company dedicated to making recycling easier by taking your waste and recycling it for you. No job is too big or too small, their recycling program has a zero-landfill policy, they are fully-compliant and even give back to the community.
International
Global Recycling Foundation, a company that aims to protect the health and well-being of our planet through recycling events, campaigns, and petitions, with a focus on funding educational and awareness programs, which focus on the sustainable and inclusive development of recycling, across the world.
Volunteer Support: Philly Spring Cleanup – Philadelphia Recycling Co. – Global Recycling Foundation