Recycling Facts
"It's just one bottle/can/sheet of paper/ ...." The standard excuse for not using the recycle bin may sound logical in the moment, but what part does that single non-recycled item play in America's overall economy and energy usage? Well, the statistics are in, and they prove that recycling bins have a hugely beneficial impact on both our world and our wallets.
Waste Not, Want Not
Environmental watchdog groups and government organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been compiling recycling facts and statistics for many years. The picture these data reveal of just how much material and energy goes to waste each year is often staggering. However, as the statistics also show, the widespread adoption of home recycling bins and office recycling bins has helped dramatically.
Here are just some of the more colorful, encouraging, and sobering recycling facts:
- That soda can you just threw into the kitchen recycling bin? According to the EPA, recycling that single can will provide enough energy to operate a TV for two hours, a computer for three hours, and a 100-watt light bulb for 20 hours.
- According to the Paper Industry Association Council, over 57% of the paper consumed in the U.S. was recycled in 2008. That works out to about 360 pounds per person. To put that in perspective, a typical family of three that recycles paper is saving enough energy to power a home for two-and-a-half months.
- The EPA says that only about 13% of plastic containers and packaging were tossed into the recycling bin in 2008. Recycling just five plastic soft drink bottles would provide enough fiberfill to stuff a ski jacket.
- Paper recycling bins are having a positive impact in the workplace. According to the EPA, about 71% of office-type paper was recovered in 2008 due to recycling.
- Glass container recycling is an area that could use improvement. Just 28% of glass containers were recycled in 2008 according to the EPA. What makes this doubly unfortunate is that glass doesn't wear out, and thus can always be recycled.