“Please Recycle”

How many times have you been drinking a beverage and paid attention to what is printed on the container? If you are like me, you very rarely notice the “Please Recycle ” label or the recycling logo on the container.  For the most part we know that the beverage container is recyclable and we don’t really need to be reminded.  And we would like to think that more often than not, most of us deposit the beverage container in an appropriate recycling bin.  However, as is often the case, we assume wrong.

Did you know that Americans go thru 35 billion plastic bottles annually? But only about 25% of these are recycled and of those recycled less than 1% are reused in the manufacture of new bottles.  And using recycled plastic only takes about 10% of the energy it takes to make a bottle from virgin materials.

Glass containers contain only 25% recycled content and using recycled glass results in an energy savings of about 33%.  The great thing about glass is that it can be recycled over and over without losing any of its qualities, its life is virtually endless.

Aluminum does a little better, each aluminum can is made from just over 50% recycled aluminum. Energy savings from using recycled aluminum is a whopping 95% versus using virgin raw materials.

The most commonly recycled product is paper. About 56% of all paper is recycled in the United States. Using recycled paper saves about 60% of the energy that it takes to make paper from virgin raw materials.

So the best we can do is to recycle about half of the time. What if your employer only paid you for half of the time that you worked?  It would be time to make a change, right?  Well, I think it is time to make a change with regard to recycling.

So what can you do about it?  Here are a few suggestions:

1. “Please Recycle” at home. Most curbside collection programs include the basics, cardboard, newspaper, plastic beverage bottles, plastic detergent bottles, glass containers and aluminum cans. Most municipalities will have a section dedicated to recycling on their web site and there you typically will find a list of materials that can be included in your recycling bin.

2. “Please Recycle” on the go. The beverage companies have done a great job of making their product available wherever we may be, whether it be at the mall, a sporting event or even at the park. However, it is sometimes difficult to find a recycling container anywhere close. Rather than taking the easy way out and throw it in a trash container, take it home and throw it in your recycling bin at home. I know this is a hassle but let’s start doing the right thing instead of the convenient or easy thing, just think of the energy savings stated above.

3. “Please Recycle” at work. Many office complexes offer recycling programs and they have evolved into “single stream” systems whereby you can put not only your paper but any beverage containers into the recycling bin. And if your company or office does not have a recycling program, inquire as to why.  Most companies today have developed sustainability or “green” goals and recycling should be an integral part of those plans.

So next time you grab a beverage container, take a moment and notice the “Please Recycle” label. Then do your part to heed their advice.