Recycling the Right Way: How Small Habits Protect a Big Planet
By Zunzeiry Melende
We believe that we do good when we decide to recycle, knowing our products are going to the correct place. But, in order to do this we must not only focus on what makes us feel good, but what makes the environment thrive. Recycling incorrectly can begin a butterfly effect, and that pile of un-recycled landfill grows larger and larger by time. We would like clean air to breathe, and easy sidewalks to complete our morning strolls on, but if we are not collecting our garbage and moving it into the right place, where does it go? It grows into landfill, which is not safe for us nor is it safe for the trees, the animals, and other forms of life that surround us. Although, you may feel as though there is nothing you could do, and it is all out of your hands, there are multiple types of recycling to participate in. You are the environment, and so is the community you create.
Recycling incorrectly can lead to more harm than good. Recycling is great for the environment, but it is only useful if done correctly. Thankfully, they are multiple sources you may find at your local recycling place or online, on how you can properly recycle. But, what about the negative side effects that take place when you do not recycle correctly? Napa Recycling gives us a list of possible outcomes that happen not only when you do not recycle correctly, but as well as not recycling at all. First and foremost, landfill, which is a pile of garbage all packed up, and takes up a significant amount of space, and many times we do not know where landfill goes, this could possibly end in a harmful position for the environment with animals around. We are also consuming the air around us that can become polluted with harmful toxins and chemicals that lead into our soil, which scientists are finding out can alter hormones. Take into consideration how easy it could be for you recycling to go to the right place, as long as it is done right.
Landfill is extremely prominent in any conversation where recycling is being spoken about. What is a landfill? It is garbage taken from our homes, and sent to a municipal solid waste landfill, where it is sealed up, with a space to remove toxins. Unfortunately, there is not much space left for any landfill to continuously grow. Landfills are used to properly store waste according to National Geographic. Learning how a landfill comes together and stays in place is noteworthy to know, due many people not knowing where our daily dose of garbage goes. But, landfills are not considered good or bad, but can be detrimental, as it releases methane, a type of gas not meant to be in contact with. National Geographic writes that landfills are meant to keep toxic trash intact, it is always possible for a leak to make its way out of that pile of trash. It is principal to your duty for your home and space, as you live on this earth and in harmony, with everything else that does too.
Now, you may be wondering, what can I do to make my space safe? Well, thankfully to easy access to online sources, and a quick google search, your answer is right around the corner. Thanks to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, you can find how to recycle almost every household item that you may not know where to put. In the list you can find paper, plastics and glass, which is commonly found in most households. It also answers questions on what kind of the item can be recycled, for example, newspapers, magazines, and pizza boxes are all recyclable. Look out for symbols on your recycling, as many of those symbols stand for what the product is made of, and it is quick to find out if it can be recycled or not. Be a part of that small team of good, than those who think recycling is pointless.
Taking time in your day to learn and consume information has never been more accessible. Taking advantage of learning about recycling does help make the world a better place, and this will say much about whether or not you care about your place and others. In this overview, we have learned what can be recycled, what is landfill, and what happens when one does not recycle and does not recycle correctly. We may as a planet might not have much time left for our lives, and other’s lives, but we can do the best we can to leave it better than the ones before us did. Making a simple choice can bring back months, maybe years, to our planet and the lucky feelings that nature gifts us.