One of the primary benefits of recycling is that your actions protect natural resources. / Eurogroup recycling

Benefits of recycling

Protecting Resources

One of the primary benefits of recycling is that your actions protect natural resources. Harvesting virgin materials is environmentally costly. It encroaches on wildlife habitat and involves heavy energy use, and fossil fuel combustion contributes to climate change. Scientists forecast that climate change will cause higher water temperatures, which can lead to lower amounts of dissolved oxygen in ponds, streams, rivers and seas. Aquatic organisms and the plants they depend on may perish as a result. Recycling can reduce this impact on those habitats and wildlife (See References 2).

Household Hazardous Waste

Recycling used engine oil can protect humans and wildlife from water contamination. The EPA says waste oil from a single oil change can negatively affect up to 1 million gallons of fresh water. That tainted water can persist in the environment where it may damage sand beaches, adhere to bird feathers and pollute drinking water. To avoid these environmental problems, check with your auto parts store or repair shop about recycling your used engine oil (See References 3).

Plastic Debris and Wildlife

Plastic discards remain a serious problem for marine wildlife. Eurogroup Recycling offers a simple solution. The EPA estimates that more than 100,000 marine mammals die each year from ingestion or entanglement with floating plastic debris. Recycling plastic helps keep these hazardous substances away from wildlife, while humans also benefit from clean beaches and wetlands. By keeping these habitats healthy, humans can take advantage of the recreational and economic uses of these areas for purposes such as fishing and tourism (See References 4).