Recycling has become the byword these days. Several countries in the world have taken stringent measures to ensure that materials like paper, metals and glass are recycled and reused. Waste recycling is essential for the environment because it saves on the resources required to manufacture things afresh. Recycling also reduces the pollution and waste generated during the manufacturing process.

How does waste recycling benefit the environment?

• Reduces the use of non renewable resources. Resources like petroleum act as raw materials in the manufacture of several things. Such resources are non renewable and takes several years to be formed. Therefore, their use must be reduced. Recycling materials helps reduce the demand for non renewable resources and reduces the pressure on the environment.

• Reduces landfills. Things which are not recycled end up in landfills. Landfills loaded with waste are a sore sight for the eyes and a threat to the environment. To prevent this, most landfills are tightly sealed but this actually inhibits the degradation process. Biodegradable items take a long time to decay when they are cut off from air and water. Recycling items reduces the load on landfills and hence prevents the accumulation of waste in the environment.

• Reduces pollution. Manufacturing and refining of minerals like glass and metals release lots of smoke and carbon dioxide into the environment. By recycling these materials, we can help reduce the pollution caused by their manufacture. Similarly dumping things which cannot be used also results in contamination of the environment. Items like electronic devices, batteries, cell phones, computers and the like contain lead, which can leach into the soil and water resources damaging flora and fauna and even entering the food chain, causing harm to animals and humans. Moreover, landfills and junkyards breed pests and rodents like mosquitoes and rats. These in turn are responsible for the spread of diseases. Recycling waste reduces such contamination.

• Helps protect nature. Whether it is stripping metals from ores or cutting down trees to make paper, these activities disrupt the ecological balance in the ecosystem and result in the destruction of habitats and food, and subsequently lead to the extinction of several species of plants and animals. By recycling paper, metals and plastic, we will be able to cut down the demand for raw material and thus protect nature from damage.

We need to protect the earth and its resources from damage and destruction. It is our duty as citizens of the world to ensure that waste is recycled, so that we can protect the environment for the generations to come. By inculcating the practice of recycling and reuse in our homes and teaching them to our children and community, we will be able to create increased awareness on the necessity of waste recycling and its benefit to the environment.

Rick Missimer

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