What is recycling

Recycling is something that is increasingly in the habit of all people in our day to day. However, many still do not know what is recycling Properly said. That is, what type of techniques are used to reuse waste and transform it into new products. There are numerous types of recycling containers that serve to have a selective collection of waste that will be deposited and transported to recycling plants. It is there where, after numerous processes, they are destined to new products.

In an article we are going to tell you what recycling is, what its characteristics are and why it is important to recycle.

What is recycling

Recycling is the process of collecting materials and turning them into new products; otherwise these products will be disposed of as trash. There are three main types. Primary or closed-loop recycling converts the material into more of the same material, for example, paper in more paper, or soda cans in more soda cans. Level 2 converts discarded products into other items, even if they are made from the same materials. Tertiary or chemical decomposition of materials to produce something very different from them.

Although it can be summed up in protecting natural resources and reducing overexploitation of raw materials, thus protecting habitats, there are many advantages. It also helps save energy, because recycling products eliminates several basic steps in the manufacturing process. In other words, much more energy is needed to extract, refine, transport and process raw materials than to transform already available recycled materials.

According to the National Institutes of Health, "recycling aluminum requires 95% less energy than using raw materials to produce aluminumWhile the use of steel scrap to replace raw ore to produce new steel requires a 40% reduction in water and 97% in waste. »« Recycled steel can save 60% energy in production; 40% recycled newspapers; recycled plastics, 70%; and 40% recycled glass ».

Therefore, the reduction of the exploitation of mines, quarries and forests, avoiding the refining and industrial conversion of these raw materials, and the consequent energy savings, will contribute significantly to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHG). , The main cause of global warming), in addition to air, soil and water pollution. Due to recycled materials, the 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide saved in the UK each year is equivalent to 5 million cars off the road.

Why is recycling important?

Recycling is one of the simplest and most meaningful daily activities that we can do. So that any member of the family can participate, even the smallest house can participate. Although humans are responsible for generating large amounts of waste, recycling is also an example of social responsibility and environmental protection. Sometimes we still refuse to recycle.

Therefore, all we have to do is harm ourselves and the environment in the short term and in the future. This is a worrying issue for any father or mother, this small move is part of responsible consumption and will allow our offspring to enjoy the green and blue planet. All the cities of our country put disposable containers in our discarded containers, whether they are organic, paper, plastic or glass, we can introduce them. There are also some cleaning points where you can take items such as appliances or wood.

On the other hand, you can place the container in your home to promote the recycling of suitable consumer products and help the whole family to get the proper education and change the consciousness of the people around you.

Domestic habits

By introducing household recycling habits we can achieve the following advantages:

• Reduce energy consumption. If we recycle, we will reduce the extraction, transport and processing of new raw materials, which will greatly reduce the energy required to carry out these processes.
• Reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As energy consumption decreases, our carbon dioxide production will decrease and the greenhouse effect will decrease as well. In other words, recycling at home means helping the planet and helping to combat climate change.
• Reduce air pollution. This is important if we are concerned about the relationship between air quality and health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the lower the content of these pollutants, the healthier our cardiovascular and respiratory systems are. If we think of the air our boys and girls breathe while playing in the park or on the streets of a big city, remember a few things.

New products from waste

To understand the importance of recycling, one of the main aspects is the use of waste to create new products. Many shoe boxes can be used, from tetrabriks, a tire that can be turned into soda cans, fleeces, etc. All kinds of waste can be used to make new products.

Ecodesign was born from the innovative concept of this technology. Many companies have introduced green designs for the purpose of designing new products while protecting the environment. They can even reuse various objects such as traffic signs and tires, giving them new uses. All kinds of materials can be reused to extend their useful life, and in this way they can be modified for new uses.

Recycling at home means protecting the environment, which is just as important as helping to create and maintain jobs. Because the waste recycling process requires companies and workers to collect different materials and sort them.

In Spain we have non-profit organizations Ecovidrio and Ecoembes, and you may find them actively involved in recycling activities. Recycling can also implement projects aimed at integrating disadvantaged groups into society and the workforce.

I hope that with this information you can learn more about what recycling is and what are the advantages.