Recycle plastic
Why This is Green
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, plastics make up more than 12 percent of the ever-increasing municipal solid waste stream. A little context: back in 1960, plastics were less than one percent! The American Chemistry Council says that 80 percent of people have access to plastics recycling. While the recycling rates for the different types of plastics varies greatly, the EPA puts the overall plastics recycling rate at only 8 percent.
Part of the reason why this rate is so low is confusion. It’s not easy to know which plastics can be recycled and where, given that plastic is everywhere—cosmetic and drink bottles, diapers, trash bags, medical tubing, appliances, toys, and so on.
But it’s crucial to recycle plastics as it reduces the use of non-renewable resources, landfill clutter, air pollution from incineration, and trash in our oceans. There are enormous garbage patches in our oceans filled with plastic residue that harms aquatic life and birds—and the humans who eat wild seafood.
Recycled plastic can be used in many products ranging from toothbrushes to lumber.
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How To
Before you recycle, minimize the amount of plastic you use. Try replacing bottled water with a reusable water bottle; the impact is immediate.
For your remaining plastic waste, find out which plastics you can recycle where you live—either at the curb or at a drop off location. Don’t forget about things like plastic bags; these, too, can be recycled.
If you aren't sure what you can recycle and where, check online for rules and locations near you.
