Why Recycling is Important

Recycling isn’t just a good idea—it’s a game-changer for our planet and our wallets. Here’s why you should make it a priority:

• Keep landfills from taking over. Every item you recycle means less land wasted on trash and more space for nature.
• Reduce energy use. Creating new products from recycled materials takes far less energy than starting from raw resources.
• Protect what matters most. Recycling saves forests, mountains, and waterways from being stripped for raw materials.

Every bottle, can, and box you recycle is a vote for cleaner air, healthier ecosystems, and a sustainable future.

Start today—because small actions create big change.

References:

• Environmental Protection Agency. (2025, February 11). Frequent questions on recycling.
• Gabisa, E.W., Ratanatamskul, C., & Gheewala, S.H. (2023). Recycling of plastics as a strategy to reduce life cycle GHG emission, microplastics, and resource depletion. Sustainability, 15 (5), 11529.
• The Ocean Cleanup. (n.d.). The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
• The Aluminum Association. (n.d.) Infinitely Recyclable.
• International Aluminum Institute. (n.d.). As well as aluminum recycling, saving 95% of the energy needed for primary aluminum production, the recycling process saves a similar percentage in greenhouse gas emissions.
• The Aluminum Association. (2025, March 18). Aluminum beverage can moves from recycling bin to newly formed can in less than 60 days.
• National Park Service. (n.d.). Recycling Fast Facts.