Recycling – the science and art of reusing

Recycling

Recycling is a concept that can and has gone a long way into preserving our planet

Recycling is best defined as transforming waste or worn out material into a new product.

It is a concept that can and has gone a long way into preserving our planet. Many kinds of glass, paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, rubber, and textiles are recyclable materials. When you wash a glass jar that was used as packaging and start using it to store pulses, you have in effect, done your bit for the recycling revolution!

Pulses

There are two broad ways that materials are recycled.

1. Household recycling

2. Collection from roadside bins from where waste is sorted, cleaned and reprocessed.

The importance of recycling.

Rising population and rapid urbanization are stretching and depleting our natural resources. In this scenario, the importance of recycling cannot be overstressed. While technological developments have led to advanced packaging materials, the worry is that most of these materials are not biodegradable – they may eventually make their way into landfills or in the environment.

Plastics and Recycling.

In 1960, plastics formed less than 1% of our nation’s total municipal waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2013, the number rose to 13%. Presently, it is estimated that over 60% of plastics in India are recycled – indeed a figure to feel proud of.

Plastics and Recycling.

In 1960, plastics formed less that 1% of our nation’s total municipal waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2013, the number rose to 13%. Presently, it is estimated that over 60% of plastics in India are recycled – indeed a figure to feel proud of.

Recycling Plastics - benefits galore!

Minimises felling of trees. Conservation of energy and resources – recycling a ton of plastic saves energy that is equal to 5.774 kWh. Since petroleum is used for manufacture of plastics, recycling a ton of plastic can save as much as 16.3 barrels of oil. Keeping products out of landfills – recycling one ton of plastic saves 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space. Since recycling plastic lowers oil consumption in the manufacturing of new plastic, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions as well.

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