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Reycling
Recycling is the process of re-using materials that would otherwise be discarded in landfill sites. Most local councils offer door-to-door collections of certain recyclable materials such as paper and glass. They also provide banks of containers in the community where you can deposit your recycling waste. This might include clothes, plastics and cardboard.
Recycling can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of mining/growing of raw materials, transportation of these materials and the energy that goes into these processes for the manufacture of new products. It also reduces the impact on the environment of refuse disposal in landfill sites. Reusing is even better than recycling, as no extra emissions are created. Recycling is an excellent example of a sustainable industry.
Many of the mainstream products available today are made from recycled materials. Fleece jackets and other synthetic products are usually made from recycled plastic bottles and containers. Glass bottles can be made from recycled glass (usually from recycled glass bottles!). Parts for aeroplanes and cars can be made from recycled drink cans. Paper and cardboard can be made from recycled paper. Food waste can be turned into compost and waste from your toilet can be recycled as fertiliser and water to irrigate crops.
It's all common sense really, but why waste perfectly good materials? The world could save a lot of money and greenhouse gas production in the future by adopting a stricter policy of recycling. It does not make sense to bury it underground, only to quarry and mine new materials elsewhere to make the same products.
Used grease and cooking oils can be collected and turned into Biodiesel, a fuel for vehicles with diesel engines. Shoe soles can be made from recycled aeroplane tyres. But, the best type of recycling is Re-Using! If you can re-use a bottle or envelope yourself, the recycling process does not have to take place and even less greenhouse gas is produced.
