If you care about the environment, look out for National Recycling Week. This countrywide observance exists to encourage individuals and businesses across the nation to work with local recycling centers and step up their efforts at going green. Recycling Week 2017 is approaching, so in honor of the occasion, here are a few facts and figures about the week and recycling in general.

5 Interesting Facts About Recycling Week

1. Celebrations in 2017

This year, National Recycling Week runs from Monday, November 13^th through the 19^th, with America Recycles Day on Wednesday the 15^th. The theme for this year is “What Goes Around: Why Buying Recycled Matters.”

2. History

National Recycling Week began over 20 years ago in November 1996. It was founded by Planet Ark as a campaign to increase recycling and maximize its benefits for the world. Today, the 22^nd annual observance is sponsored by a range of companies invested in our planet’s future.

3. The Environmental Impact of Recycling

For a period in world history, there was heated debate about whether recycling was worthwhile. After all, the process requires transportation of materials for processing, which means it produces the kind of emissions and resources it’s trying to reduce. In fact, taking your discarded items to a recycling center is still more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than producing the same products from raw materials — using 96% less energy for aluminum and 21% less for glass, with other elements ranging between those extremes.

4. What You Can Recycle

Most people understand you can toss bottles, cans, and newspapers in the colored bin for pickup. But there are more items you can recycle at the right facility. Electronic recycling is an important and underused option that protects the environment from chemical contaminants. You can also turn in steel and copper at recycling centers equipped to handle them.

5. How You Can Help

It doesn’t take much to cut down your carbon footprint. If you don’t currently separate your recyclables, now is the time to start. If you already do, there are further steps you can take. Composting is an effective way to increase sustainability, as is buying used and donating unneeded items.

This National Recycling Week, make a change in your life to help conserve resources. Colorado’s Denver Metal Recycling offers generous rates for metal and electronic items you no longer need. They accept ferrous and nonferrous metals at their recycling center in the form of junk cars and building materials. For any questions, call ahead at (303) 316-2880, and connect with them on Facebook.