Highlights:
Recycling is a part of the circular economy.
Recyclables also called "Seventh Resources", help in saving 700 million tonnes of CO2 emissions every year.
Global Recycling Day was started on 18th March 2018 by the Global Recycling Foundation and is also recognized by the United Nations.
This year's theme is #RecyclingHeroes, where this theme will help the world to appreciate the people, places and regions who have helped in recycling the waste effectively.
Every year, March 18th is celebrated as Global Recycling Day. It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of recycling and reducing waste. As per the World Bank reports, a staggering 2.01 billion tonnes of solid waste is generated worldwide each year. That's a mind-boggling amount, isn't it? What's even more astonishing is that nearly a third of this waste isn't managed in an environmentally safe way. It's time for us to take action and make a difference!
When was Global Recycling Day established?
Global Recycling Day was started on 18th March 2018 by the Global Recycling Foundation. This foundation is a non-profit organization which aims to raise awareness about recycling waste and advocates sustainable development. The United Nations recognized this event and it is celebrated around the world.
Why is it important for you to recycle?
Year by year, our planet is experiencing rising temperatures, leading to severe consequences worldwide. Rampant human development and industrialization are swiftly altering weather patterns, causing drastic temperature fluctuations and an intense surge in waste production globally. Improper waste disposal poses serious health risks, which can potentially lead to disease outbreaks and viral infections.
We can all play a part in mitigating this crisis by actively reducing our waste output. Let's discover below, how recycling can help Mother Earth.
How can recycling the waste can help the Earth?
Reducing the burden on landfills: Sometimes, waste management solutions such as incineration or engineered landfills offer some relief. However, this might be not the case in developing countries. Unstructured landfill contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and all sorts of pollution. Thus, Recycling waste will lessen the burden on landfills and help in protecting the environment for future generations.
Conserving natural resources: Recycling can also help in conserving the environment, recycling will help in reducing the extraction of new raw materials. Thus, it will aid in conserving natural resources.
Decreases Pollution: Burning of wastes causes many harmful, toxic air pollutants to get released into the air. Poor air quality can cause many physical and mental ailments. Thus, reducing waste generation can help in reducing pollution.
Helps to Save Energy: Recycling not only reduces the need for new materials but also conserves significant amounts of energy. For example, recycling aluminium can cut down on energy consumption by as much as 95% compared to producing it from raw materials.
How can you make a difference today?
Get Involved in Recycling
Keep in mind that making a difference starts right at home. Take some time to explore recycling options online. Discover which household waste items can be recycled. Consider supporting innovative initiatives like EcoKaari. #ecokaari is a social enterprise which upcycles waste plastic into a vibrant handcrafted fabric using Charkha and Handloom. The fabric is then handwoven by the lovely women staff of EcoKaari! You check their website and explore all eco-friendly products here. USE coupon code "ECOTANTRAM24" to get a 10% discount on your purchase!
The 3Rs
Now let's talk about reuse and reduce. You can also reuse old plastic containers to store art and craft supplies and other essentials. You can also use these plastic containers for growing your cute kitchen garden! Also, discourage buying single-use plastic bottles and use stainless steel bottles. Borosil stainless bottles are really helpful when you are travelling, you can easily carry your water.
Educate your kids
Educat your kids about the '3Rs'. Help them to understand about the environment and the challenges faced by it. Get creative, and involve your children to make recycling a fun activity. Educate your kids to properly dispose waste in the dustbin.
Good article