Why You Should Recycle

One of the easiest things you can do to help the Earth is to start recycling. Our grandparents learned to save and reuse everything during the Great Depression. Now we’ve become a society in which it is acceptable to dispose of things arbitrarily because it's convenient to do so. Here are a few photos of items that could have easily been recycled, but the residents instead chose to put it out to the curb.

We need to change that mindset in order to help our planet and ourselves. Too much waste is piling up in our landfills. Then when one area is filled, another site must be chosen. Some of these are actually in our oceans! Here are a few reasons to start recycling:

 

·         Plastic takes at least 450 years to degrade

·         Waste contributes to greenhouse gasses and climate change

·         Plastic is a petroleum based product. If we use less oil, we’ll be less dependent on other nations

·         Recycling saves trees which provide us with oxygen and protection from the elements

·         There is an island of floating trash in the Pacific Ocean

·         When you recycle you are protecting animals and their habitats

·         Recycling creates more jobs

·         You are saving precious natural resources

·         You can save money by reducing the garbage you put out to the curb

·         You can actually earn money for recycling certain items

So how do you get started recycling?

Check out your city’s website for information on locations and what you can recycle.

In Lynchburg, VA we have many convenient locations including

 

·         Fairview Square Shopping Center on Campbell Avenue

·         Grace Street Behind Fire Station

·         Kroger, Linkhorne Drive, Behind the Adelphia Cable Office

·         Kroger, Old Graves Mill Road & Timberlake

·         River Ridge Mall

·         Corner of Alleghany & Lakeside Dr.

·         Village Court Shopping Center, Boonsboro Road

 

How to Store Your Recycling

You can use items you already have in your home:

·         Plastic tubs

·         Tote bags

·         Cardboard Boxes

Lynchburg Offers free Recycling Boxes at City Hall on Church St. and at the Public Works Building on Memorial Avenue

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Or you can purchase readymade recycling containers from stores such as IKEA or Home Depot.  

 

 

 

 

 

Buying Recycled Products

 

Two of the easiest things to buy that are made from recycled materials are paper towels and toilet paper. In my area, Food Lion sells Marcal Small Steps. It’s made in the United States and no new trees are used in its production. Walmart sells White Cloud Green Earth and Kroger carries the Seventh Generation brand. All are top notch products and you can feel good about using them.