Recycling
Myth vs. Fact
Myth:
There are no markets for recyclable materials.
Fact:
Recycling
is not just an alternative to traditional solid waste disposal, it is
the foundation for large, robust manufacturing industries in the United
States that use recyclable materials. These businesses are an important
part of our economy and provide the market foundation for the entire
recycling process. The volume of the major scrap
materials sold in domestic and global markets is growing steadily. As
with all commodities, prices fluctuate over time.
Myth: Recycling is a
time-consuming burdon on the American public.
Fact: Convenient,
well-designed recycling programs allow Americans to take action in
their daily lives to reduce the environmental impact of the products
they consume. Informing citizens of the costs of their own consumption
and disposal activities through "pay as you throw" user fees makes
economic and environmental sense -- but only if viable
recycling and composting programs are in place.
Myth: Recycling doesn't
"save trees" because we are growing at least as many as we cut
specifically to make paper.
Fact: Recycling
reduces the pressure to turn natural forests into tree farms, creating
substantial environmental and economic benefits. This effect is even
more pronounced when paper recycling is viewed on a global level.
Source:
The Environmental Defense
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