According to recent statistics, America is responsible for more than 30% of the world’s waste –
despite the fact that the entire population of America only constitutes 5% of Earth’s total population.
Getting rid of the waste is problematic: burning it in landfills results in harmful ‘greenhouse’ gasses
such as carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.
These gasses are responsible for the phenomenon of global warming.
The best way to combat the negative effects associated with waste is to stop producing so much waste –
by both using less and recycling.
‘Living green’ is one of the best ways to ensure the preservation of our world.
“The best way to combat the negative
effects associated with waste is to stop
producing so much waste – by both
using less and recycling.”
Recycling is easy to do: items that can be recycled now have signs on their packaging, indicating that
they are eco-friendly and suitable for recycling.
These products can be put into recycling bins to kick-start the recycling process.
Glass jars and tin cans can be easily recycled, so try to buy foods that keep in these types of containers
when shopping.
Other items such as paper, metal and plastic can also be recycled.
Food left-overs can be recycled, too; they can be used to make compost which, in turn, can be used to
promote future plant growth.
Garden cuttings can also be added to compost heaps, and so-called ‘grass cycling’ can be used to fertilize
the soil.
Simply collect the grass cuttings that are left over after mowing and sprinkle them over the soil; they will
decompose into nutrients which will feed the soil and act as a fertilizer.
In the Garden
If you have a garden, consider planting some trees.
Trees help to combat the negative effects of global warming by sucking the CO2 out of the atmosphere
as part of their role in the carbon cycle.
Deforestation is therefore a major issue; it reduces the amount of trees in the environment, and therefore
contributes to rising CO2 levels.
Not only that but the process of cutting trees down is actually detrimental to the environment; as the
trees are cut, the carbon dioxide stored inside them is immediately released into the atmosphere.
Planting trees is therefore essential to overcoming deforestation and the problems it causes.
‘Living green’ is one of the
best ways to ensure the
preservation of our world.”
Future Generations
In order for recycling to be a success in the future, it is important that it is adopted by future
generations; teaching kids about waste, its effect on the world, and the benefits of recycling
is therefore essential.
Some tips for getting kids involved in recycling include giving them their own compost bins,
helping them understand the different recycling signs early on, like these from MySafetySign.com,
into which they can throw their own left-overs and any leaves or garden trimmings that are
lying around.
In the spring time, they can use their compost to help nurture plants in their garden.
Turning recycling into a game is a good idea, too.
Asking kids to collect the most plastic bottles, or to find the most eco-friendly products
when out shopping can encourage awareness and participation.
Photo source: Preserve our environment sign
Photo source: Recycling container sign
What are your favorite efficient recycling tips?
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