By now, the importance of recycling to prevent waste from having such a negative impact on the environment should be common knowledge. Not only does recycling reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills, it also helps reduce the pollution from harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses that are released from landfill waste. But sometimes knowing this information isn't enough. If you've been struggling to convince your family, friends, or even colleagues of the importance of recycling, try throwing some recycling facts at them that will blow their mind and ultimately, convince them to take action.

Paper Recycling Facts

  • Each year, approximately 1 billion trees worth of paper are discarded in the U.S. with the average household throwing away 13,000 separate pieces of paper.
  • The amount of paper and wood we throw away each year is enough to heat 50 million homes for 20 years.

Plastic Recycling Facts

  •  Annually, Americans throw away approximately 25,000,000,000 styrofoam coffee cups. So, if you haven't already, it's time to swap your styrofoam or disposable cup for a reusable mug,  not only for your homemade coffee but one that you can use at your favorite coffee shop, too.
  •  A whopping 1,000 to 2,000 gallons of gasoline can be saved recycling just one ton of plastic. Think about the amount of gasoline you could save by recycling all of the time.
via GIPHY
  • On average, Americans use 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour – many of which are thrown away instead of recycled.
  • Plastic bags and other plastic waste that end up in the ocean kills as many as 1 million sea creatures each year. Instead of buying plastic products and items, make a habit of purchasing organic and reusable materials that won't harm the environment. We also recommend simply swapping plastic bags for recycled reusable bags.
  • In 2014, plastics comprised about 13 percent of total Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). The total plastic waste was 33.25 million tons of which only 3.17 million tons were recycled.

Recycling is the Answer

According to RecycleAcrossAmerica.org, when U.S. recycling levels reach 75 percent, roughly 1.5 million new jobs will be generated. This level of recycling is the environmental and CO2 equivalent of removing 55 million cars from American roads each year. via GIPHY Recycling is ultimately the top action that everyone on the planet can take to improve the environment, economy, and manufacturing. We are all capable of becoming green superheroes, so together, let's recycle and help save the planet. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
About the author

Custom Earth Promos Editorial Team publishes practical guides on reusable promotional products and sustainability, drawing on publicly available sources.

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