There are 7.7 billion people in the world today, and that number is expected to increase to 9.7 billion by 2050. Higher numbers of people naturally produce higher amounts of waste. This jeopardizes the Earth's resources and makes recycling all the more imperative. Recycling is something every individual can do to contribute to a healthier planet. Below are a few environmental advantages of this process.

3 Environmental Benefits of Recycling

1. Conserve Natural Resources

The planet has a limited supply of natural resources. Recycling helps conserve these resources and lessen the need for harmful, irreversible actions, like chopping down virgin rain forests and utilizing damaging fossil fuels. Recycling also reduces the demand for finite raw materials; for example, when you recycle metal products, like electronics, you decrease the need for environmentally-detrimental practices of mining and extraction of new metals.

2. Protect Delicate Ecosystems

Unrecycled materials that sit around in landfills not only emit dangerous gases into the air, but they release poisonous chemicals into the ground. These chemicals can seep into water supplies and soil and eventually be consumed by people and animals, jeopardizing the planet's ecosystems and the public's health. Electronics are especially concerning; they contain metals that emit particularly toxic substances into the ground, which is why electronics recycling is necessary.

3. Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions

When garbage sits in a dump or landfill, it releases toxic greenhouse gases into the environment. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming. An overheated planet will lead to serious, life-threatening issues, from rising sea levels to increases in temperatures that endanger humans, animals, and plant life. By recycling, you are creating less landfill waste—and lower amounts of greenhouse gases.

Evage Electronic Recycling serves residential and commercial customers throughout the Boone County, AR, region. They are an experienced, certified recycling center specializing in electronic products, including lightbulbs, batteries, office equipment, mobile devices, large and small appliances, and items containing refrigerant. Do your part to help the planet and recycle your old electronics. Call (870) 416-2294 to schedule a pickup.