Recycled Materials Q&A: Why Use Products Made From Recycled Materials?

 

We seldom give any thought to the sustainability of the roads we drive on, but the world’s road network can be a massive blow to the environment. Heaps of rock, concrete, asphalt and steel are required for every mile of road built, not to mention the fuel used to power construction equipment.

 

The Federal Highway Administration, the EPA, Recycled Materials Resource Center and institutions of higher education countrywide are all working on innovative theories to make roads more “green,” be it recycling programs for products that include coal fly ash, slag cement, old asphalt and other scrap to proposals for storm water management.

 

Waste management as shown in this example would benefit entire communities, but what about individuals? Why should we use products made from recycled materials in our everyday lives?

 

One good reason is because it’s already been established that these products are recyclable. Another reason to use products made from recycled materials is because you know that these products are about as green as you can get. Finally, you can get unique designs that are not available from other materials. For example, tabletops, counters, and even flooring that are made from recycled materials have some exclusive styles that are found only in recycled materials.

 

The collection of plastics for recycling is growing quickly, and with a bit of care a great deal of plastic can be recycled. Almost everything made of plastic is marked with a code. This code, which identifies the type of plastic used, must be molded into the plastic and located on the bottom surface of the container. You should only place those types of plastic listed by your local recycling agency in the bins provided by your community.

 

Recycling has become a part of the everyday life of a lot of people. In some cases it can actually put money in your pocket, and besides, it’s the environmentally responsible thing to do.