Recycling as a Way of Life: the Benefits and Importance

This is benefits of recycling essay where this topic will be revealed by the author as much as possible. I believe recycling is vital to our planet for numerous reasons. 

Firstly, recycling conserves significantly more energy than other methods of waste disposal, as products are being manufactured from repurposed materials, rather than being made from raw materials. Conserving this energy is crucial as it lessens the amount of toxic gasses being released into our atmosphere by factories or power plants, which protects our environment. In fact, in a report by “Eco-Cycle”, one of the largest non-profit recyclers in the USA, it is stated that “recycling conserves three to five times more energy than WTE generates' - demonstrating just how much energy recycling saves compared to these other technologies. The report is a secondary source, as it includes statistics and facts gathered from research into “Waste-to-Energy” which are used to support points made. Additionally, ”Eco-Cycle' was established in 1976, and since then has built up a positive reputation globally as a pioneer in research conservation and accordingly, is a trustworthy and credible source due to its positive worldwide influence and public image. Considering this, I believe it is an overall reliable source, especially due to the fact the aim of “Eco-Cycle” is to preserve natural resources and thus, benefit the public and wider world. Nonetheless, there is a clear bias against “Waste-to-Energy” in the report, as points made are predominantly against it, and only the benefits of recycling are mentioned. This gives an unbalanced view on the topic as a whole; and it's clear the purpose of the report is to persuade people against WTE, rather than educate so is less credible. The source was produced in 2011, so information could be outdated and therefore less reliable than newer, more up-to-date sources.

Furthermore, I believe recycling is important in ensuring the habitability of our planet in future years as it greatly reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions caused by waste, accordingly preventing a number of environmental problems such as climate change or poor air quality. This is evident through a worksheet produced by the Global Development Research Centre (or GDRC), in which it is stated an advantage of recycling is 'key to providing a liveable environment for the future'. Conversely, recycling has its drawbacks as well as its benefits. This method of waste disposal is not only expensive, but also difficult as useful material needs to be separated from waste before it is recycled. In addition, it requires new, more advanced technology than other methods which many believe is not justified. This is again evident through the worksheet by the GDRC, in which these disadvantages are listed. The “Global Develop Research Centre” is an independent non-profit, its purpose to research and educate others on the environment and community. This source is a secondary source as it compiles research of waste disposal, and was created for educational purposes. Therefore, I believe it is a credible source as its intention is to educate rather than persuade readers into a particular opinion or belief. The sheet includes both advantages and disadvantages of a multitude of waste disposal methods, hence provides equal views on each process and there is no clear bias; further proving its reliability.

Moreover, many believe that the complexity of recycling is unnecessary, and other methods, such as incineration, are perfectly acceptable. One appeal of recycling is it reduces the amount of toxic gases being released into our atmosphere, however an article by “The Why Files” highlights that 'current air emissions are below Environmental Protection Agency standards', and consequently this area doesn't need to be improved. In addition, it is also stated in the source that the incinerators currently used to burn waste 'removes heavy metals and other pollutants' as well as reducing the 'output of ultra-toxic dioxins'. Nevertheless, I still believe that recycling is the best way forward as although incinerators reduce the amount of toxins and gases released, they still release these harmful pollutants which ultimately damage our environment and public health greatly, and simply cannot compete with recycling in this regard. The article is a secondary source, and is overall fairly balanced as views of those both against and in favour of incinerators are included. Statistics are also included within the report to support arguments made, further increasing its credibility. I also believe it is reliable as when “The Why Files” was running, it was supported by the National Science Foundation so information included is most likely accurate.

To conclude, I strongly believe recycling is vital to our planet, and it although comes with a cost and requirement of advanced technology, these disadvantages are justified as in comparison to other waste removal methods, such as incineration or Waste-To-Energy, it preserves energy and significantly reduces greenhouse gas and harmful pollutant emissions. These improvements are what will protect public health, slow the rate of global warming and ultimately save our environment.