First of all, why recycle? Recycling keeps the planet healthier and, in turn, keeps people and animals healthier. It also prevents pollution, conserves water and natural resources, saves energy, decreases greenhouse gas emissions and it’s cheaper to recycle than dispose of waste. When you recycle, it & means less garbage because it turns waste into a reusable product. For example, recycled notebook paper often makes toilet paper, glass can be used for making bricks, and plastic detergent bottles can become buckets or toys.
Recycling is mandatory. The Mandatory Recycling Act went into effect in 1991. Currently, there’s a goal to double Recycling in CT from about 25 percent to 60 percent over the next 10 years. Here are some ways you can help achieve this:
Memorize what needs Recycling in CT. Here’s the list in a nutshell:
1. Glass and metal food and beverage containers
2. PET & HDPE plastic containers
3. Magazines and newspaper
4. Corrugated cardboard and boxboard
5. White office paper and colored ledger paper
6. Scrap metal
7. Used motor oil
8. Lead acid batteries (from automobiles) and Ni-CD batteries (from electronics)
9. Leaves
10. Grass clippings-must be left on the lawn or composted
Reduce the items you use in the first place and this will reduce the amount of garbage that gets generated. Do this:
1. Use both sides of paper
2. Get a paperless version of bills
3. Unsubscribe to junk mail
4. Read online newspapers
5. Resist buying packaged products
6. Use reusable water bottles and coffee mugs
7. GrassCycle-leave clippings on the lawn
8. Use reusable grocery bags
9. Reduce anything else you can think of
Reuse your items instead of throwing them away. Simple reuse ideas:
1. Buy durable products
2. Buy products that can be repaired
3. Don’t throw a product away if it’s broken (repair it instead)
4. Sell or donate your items
5. Practice buying or selling used goods
6. Borrow or rent whenever possible
7. Reuse anything else you can think of
Buy recycled items. This supports the businesses that make recycled products and puts money into the recycling market. It also places a demand in the market for more recycled products.
Less garbage means less toxic landfills that can harm all living things and the planet. Do your part to make recycling happen. If your goal is to recycle 60 percent of your garbage, and your neighbors do the same, you will help CT achieve its goal of recycling 60 percent of its waste by 2024. That is a goal worth attaining. For more information, visit Business Name.
