Americans are recycling more than ever before, and with good reason. Recycling saves energy, natural resources and landfill space
Aluminum is a material for which a strong recycling market exists. Recycling aluminum cans saves 95 percent of the energy that it takes to manufacture a new can. Throwing away a 12-ounce can is the energy equivalent of throwing away six ounces of gasoline. Aluminum cans are just one example of how important recycling is. Recycling of newspapers, used motor oil, non-aluminum beverage containers and yard clippings is equally important to our environment and our economy.
Recycling is truly a cause in which every individual makes a great difference. The way you shop for, use and dispose of the products that you buy seriously affects the environment. So, purchase and consume according to the 3 "R"s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Reduce the amount of garbage you generate by buying and using products wisely.
- "Precycle" by purchasing products in recyclable containers.
- Purchase foods in bulk or concentrate.
- Avoid products that are neither reusable nor easily recyclable.
- At work, make two-sided photocopies.
- Use cloth towels in the kitchen rather than paper towels.
- Stop unwanted junk mail by removing your name from mailing lists.
Reuse products whenever possible.
- Start a compost pile with your leaves and grass clippings.
- Leave a coffee mug or two at work and avoid using disposable cups.
- Use blank back sides of used paper for scratch work.
- Look into purchasing quality used items instead of new ones.
- Take your grocery bags back to the market and reuse them.
- Mend clothes and repair broken items.
- Take care of your belongings to help them last longer. In particular, try to keep your car on a regular maintenance and tune-up schedule.
- Use products that are made to be reused, such as cloth towels, sponges, glass dishes and metal eating utensils (rather than paper and plastic), rechargeable batteries, etc.
- Drop off your used motor oil, antifreeze, and car batteries at places that recycle automotive wastes.
- Donate clothing, books, toys, appliances and furniture to charitable organizations.
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