RECYCLING

Vocabulary Conventional : Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed Biodegradable : (Of a substance or object) capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms and thereby avoiding pollution Landfill : The disposal of waste material by burying it Habitat : The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism Deforestation : The removal of a forest or stand of trees

Recycling is a process to change (waste) materials into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air pollution and water pollution by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Recyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, metal, plastic, textiles, and electronics. The composting or other reuse of biodegradable waste—such as food or garden waste—is also considered recycling.

Environmental Importance of Recycling Recycling is very important as waste has a huge negative impact on the natural environment. Harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses are released from rubbish in landfill sites. Recycling helps to reduce the pollution caused by waste. Habitat destruction and global warming are some the affects caused by deforestation. Recycling reduces the need for raw materials so that the rainforests can be preserved. Huge amounts of energy are used when making products from raw materials. Recycling requires much less energy and therefore helps to preserve natural resources.

Importance of Recycling To People Recycling is essential to cities around the world and to the people living in them. 1. No space for waste. Our landfill sites are filling up fast, almost all landfills will be full in few years. 2. Reduce financial expenditure in the economy. Making products from raw materials costs much more than if they were made from recycled products. 3. Preserve natural resources for future generations. Recycling reduces the need for raw materials; it also uses less energy, therefore preserving natural resources for the future.

There are three key factors when thinking about how to recycle – The 3 R’s:

ADVANTAGES OF RECYCLING 1. Protects Environment   2. Reduces Energy Consumption 3. Reduces Pollution 4: Reduces Global Warming  5. Judicial and Sustainable use of Resources 6. Conserves Natural Resources 7. Reduces Amount of Waste to Landfills 8. Create Green Jobs

DISADVANTAGES OF RECYCLING 1. Not always Cost Effective 2. Recycled Products May not Last for Long 3. Unsafe and Unhygienic Recycling Sites 4. Not widespread on Large Scale 5. High Initial Cost

Questions 1) Where does most of our waste go once it leaves our homes? 2) What happens to the rest of our waste? 3) Give two problems caused by dumping/land filling waste. 4) Name three things which can be recycled 5) What do trees manufacture that is healthy for our environment? 1. Landfill 2. Gets recycled 3. Causes pollution and wastes land 4. Paper, Cans, Cardboard etc… 5. Oxygen