Recycling

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Recycling is becoming more important in today’s society. Recycling prevents unnecessary waste and makes used materials into new products. It also reduces the amount of fresh materials used in manufacturing, reduces energy usage and decreases air and water pollution. These are some of the reasons why many governments want their citizens to recycle as much as possible and encourage them to do so. In fact, some governments, such as in Britain, are considering whether to make people pay a charge if they do not recycle their waste products.
Recycling can produce a fresh supply of the same material. For example, recycled office paper can be used to make more office paper. Recycling of materials can also involve their being used to produce different materials. Paper can be recycled into cardboard, for instance. Another form of recycling is the ‘rescue’ or ‘salvage’ of certain materials from other products. Thus, gold is often taken from computer parts because of its value and reused in other products.
Supporters of recycling say it is good for the environment. Others, however, believe its benefits are limited. One organisation has suggested it takes 40 percent more energy to make paper from recycled paper than from fresh materials. Critics often argue that it can take more energy to produce recycled products than to dispose of them as rubbish. It is also not possible to repeat the recycling process too many times with the same product, so possibilities are limited. It is also argued there are many additional costs involved in collection and transportation.
Recycling has always been common throughout history. Plato discusses recycling as far back as 400 BC. Archaeological research indicates that recycling was used when new resources were not available. In Britain, dust and ash from wood and coal fires was collected and used as a material in brick making. During World War II, people used to give materials, such as metal, for recycling. In some countries, including Japan, this continued after the war had ended as there was a shortage of natural resources. Recycling also gained popularity during the 1970s due to rising energy costs in an effort to save money. Opinions on recycling may be divided, however it seems that this process will be a permanent feature of many 21st century nation.