On Global Recycling Day, see what you can do to better participate
March 18 is Global Recycling Day. Is your family doing everything it can to reduce waste?
There is an emphasis placed on recycling plastic, so it is important to understand how to recycle plastic properly. Plastics numbered 1 and 2 can be recycled in most curbside programs, while materials such as No. 6 plastic cannot be recycled in most places.
Recycling plastic is important, but we also must prioritize recycling glass and aluminum containers. These two materials require more greenhouse gasses in production and transportation than plastic. If these products end up in landfills, they can take thousands – or even millions – of years to decompose.
Polling finds a lack of access is the most common reason people say they don’t recycle. But thanks to advances in recycling, the majority of people have access to curbside recycling. Just be sure to check with your local recycling program to confirm it accepts materials such as glass, cartons or No. 5 plastic before tossing it in the bin. These products might not be accepted in all curbside programs.
Each family can do more to reduce waste by choosing to recycle. For more information, visit Recyclingfacts.com.
James Bowers, Managing Director Campaign for Recycling Awareness
The world’s once-insatiable demand for gasoline is unlikely to recover to pre-pandemic levels, according to a report Wednesday from the International Energy Agency.
Gasoline use cratered during the pandemic as cities shut down and many people began working from home, a trend that will likely continue as the COVID-19 crisis eases.
Oil demand, meanwhile, is expected to continue rising as developing countries with growing populations use more of the fuel. But it is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023.