5 Things you didn’t know about Recycling

18 Jul 5 Things you didn’t know about Recycling

Recycling initiatives are popping up nearly everywhere you look. As climate change moves further and further into the spotlight, sustainability becomes an increasingly important concern on every level, from national governments to local elementary schools. If you’re here, it’s likely you’ve already gotten smarter about the way you live and the way you impact the environment. But how much do you know about the recycling process? Here are five interesting facts about recycling you should know.

(Sascha Schuermann/AFP/Getty Images)

1. If you’re looking for a way to make your home even greener than it already is, start by recycling water filters. Popular water filter manufacturer Brita actually recycles the filters if you send them back after they have been used! Every part of the filter is recycled from the plastic to the carbon particles inside, and the box and bag you wrap them in are recycled as well.

2. Another source of recycling material you may not have considered is mattresses. Mattresses can be recycled into clothing fibres, scrap metal, or foam products. Cheesy as it may be, knowing you can recycle something that has such a large impact on the environment just might let you sleep a little easier at night.

3. Everybody loves getting new gadgets and toys, but for the environmentally conscious people, there can be some guilt involved in getting rid of the old ones.  Luckily, Best Buy is now offering free in-store recycling for your electronics, no matter the brand; from TVs and DVD players to computer monitors and cell phones, they will recycle it all! Certain items can even be traded in for store credit.

4. Recycling just one aluminium can saves enough energy to listen to an entire album on an mp3 player. Recycling 100 saves enough energy to power your bedroom for two full weeks.

5. Last but not least is Brilliant Earth, which aims to end the blood diamond trade by producing affordable ethically sourced jewellery, including wedding and engagement rings. The jewellery is made from recycled silver, gold, and platinum, avoiding the environmentally harmful process of stripping precious metals from the earth, also derived from child labor and violent conflicts in the countries they are sourced from.

With facts like these it’s crucial that we look for any way possible to conserve and reuse, even when we already are in some way. Hopefully this inspires you to get out and look for other interesting recycling facts. Don’t just do it, know why you’re doing it and what the benefits are– and pass it along.

Article by Sophia Evans. sophcalledlife.blogspot.com