Recyclable Plastics example essay topic

659 words
How I Can Change My Environmental Health The most effective thing I can do for my environment is recycle. Anyone is capable of recycling. There are many recycling centers across the nation where people are able to take trash to be recycled. Some places might pay you a small amount for recycling trash.

Unbroken glass containers can be recycled. Clear are the most valuable and lids can go with metal. Tableware, ceramics, windows, light bulbs, and mirrors are different types of glass that can be recycled. Broken glass is hard to sort and that is why unbroken glass is preferred.

The bad news is that some places only accept bottle glass and ceramics contaminate glass. Glass is color sorted for recycling. Clean dry newspapers and newspaper inserts can be recycled as well as rubber bands, plastic bags, product samples. Make sure there is no water, dirt, mold or other contamination.

Pack newspapers tightly in large brown grocery sacks or tie with natural twine and keep them dry. Empty metal cans, caps, lids, bands and foil full cans, spray cans unless instructed, such as cans with paint or hazardous waste. Metals can be recycled again and again by the metal being melted down and reconstructed to its new form. Plastic stamped with a #1 or #2 on the bottom can be recycled. The bad news is that some areas only accept clear plastic or certain shapes. Plastic types #3 through #7 are more recyclable plastics.

Caps are usually a different type from the bottle. If it is unmarked then throw it away with regular trash because even a small amount of the wrong type of plastic can ruin a melt. Much plastic collected for recycling is actually land filled. Plastic bags marked #2 or #4 are usually from many grocery stores take bags. Usually recycling unmarked plastic bags or reuse bags can have a negative net impact. Mixed paper such as junk mail, magazines, photocopies, computer printouts, cereal / shoe boxes, stickers, napkins, tissues, waxed paper, milk cartons, carbon paper, laminated paper (fast food wraps, some food bags, drink boxes, foil), neon paper, thermal fax paper can all be recycled.

Some places also take cardboard and phone books. Paper fiber can be recycled about seven times before it gets too small. Plastic window envelopes are also recyclable. Do not recycle dirty or food stained paper Scrap aluminum such as lawn chairs, window frames, pots, and metal parts attracted to magnets can be recycled. There is no need to remove labels or bands from cans or bottles but, clean them to prevent odors. Do not recycle containers with traces of hazardous materials.

Motor oil should never be dumped into storm drains. Automotive batteries and sealed lead / gel -cell batteries can be taken to an automotive or security dealer for recycling or to trade in. Rechargeable batteries from cordless phone, camcorders, shavers, portable appliances, and computers can be recycled. Throw alkaline and heavy duty batteries in trash unless prohibited. Nickel-Cadmium rechargeable batteries contain toxins and should be recycled properly. Laser / Ink printer cartridges are recyclable.

Household toxics (paints, oils, solvents, pesticides, cleaners) should be recycled. Computers, eyeglasses, household goods can be donated to charity or given to a repair shop because they are not recyclable. Unless you buy recycled products, you are not recycling. I have as well as many others have used some product that I mentioned and I will begin my recycling today. We must all strive to share benefits and burdens resulting from the use of the environment. Furthermore, because in many cases environmental degradation is long-term and cumulative, precautionary policies guided by considerations of equity must be implemented to safeguard the rights of future generations.