Benefits of Recycling

There was once a time when recycling was limited to old newspapers, can and bottles.  A recycling center may give someone a dollar or two for about a pound of whatever they had to give away.  Or you may have participated in a fundraiser by collecting newspapers and received a prize or free lunch as a reward. There was little mention as to how this act would affect the country’s oil supply.

This time, the reward is much greater and instead of encouraging a small group of people, it is our duty to inform others about the benefits of recycling old computers, appliances and even non-running automobiles as it will help to conserve energy for the environment a great deal.

In the past decade, we as a nation have made strides towards making the earth a cleaner place to live.  These days, small efforts such as each person taking time to recycle paper, plastics and other materials to save energy count in the long run.  This has encouraged larger companies to take measures such as encouraging employee participation in recycling programs

Like anything else, there is always room for improvement when it comes to recycling.  Many people still do not realize how recycling affects oil consumption.  In today’s economy, with gas prices on the rise (again), this is not an effort that we cannot afford to ignore. Every single effort brings the United States closer to being less dependent on other countries for oil.

The discovery of alternative fuel is also helps to decrease the need for oil. Especially since we are buying fewer new cars and holding on to our old standby.  Those who cannot afford to purchase a hybrid or an electric vehicle can have their cars’ fuel system converted to run on soy or vegetable oil.  Under this system, the savings can be up to fifty percent or greater.  Also, alternative fuel is non-toxic and not only help to reduce emissions caused by fuel and oil but if you were to have an auto accident, there would be less chance of the vehicle catching fire.  This is why a person cannot smoke a cigarette at a traditional gas pump, gasoline is flammable.  Accidents happen but losing a piece of property unexpectedly can create all sorts of problems.

The lack of oil available to our country has also brought on a new phrase in the past couple of decades – ride-sharing.  At one time, PSAs and other mediums encouraged us to not take a ride from a stranger as it could result in an abduction or murder but there also an underground movement to save gas when it came to commuting to work or school.  It gave people a chance to know their neighbors, co-workers and those with related interests on a different level.  Companies began to form an alliance with public transportation companies to offer ride-sharing programs with employees.  In major cities, where traffic and smog are major factors, this reduces the need for oil consumption greatly.

So, the next time you see someone throwing an appliance out on the street, recycle it for more oil.