Earth Day is April 22nd, which makes this a fantastic time to start thinking about ways to minimize your impact on the environment. Recycling not only keeps waste out of landfills, but it also conserves resources that would go toward manufacturing new products. Below are a few reasons you should commit to recycling your cans, bottles, printer cartridges, and paper every day.

How Does Recycling Work?

Recycling is any process that takes old, unwanted material that would get thrown away and manufactures new products with it instead. Steel can be melted down and recast as food packing, building materials, or car parts. Many types of paper can be broken down and made into new books, mailing supplies, and a variety of other products.

Other products, like printer cartridges, can be reused with extra manufacturing or processing. Instead of recycling the plastic, a recycler can simply refill the ink, essentially making the cartridge as good as new.

What Are the Benefits? 

In addition to keeping usable items and potentially harmful chemicals out of landfills, recycling reduces the demand for nonrenewable resources. Recycled metal means less ore has to be mined, and reusing plastic reduces the need for crude oil.

Remanufacturing materials also usually results in less pollution than using raw ones. Reducing the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases at every stage of the process can preserve a healthy environment for future generations.

How Can You Start Recycling?

Many municipal governments offer curbside recycling programs. However, in some areas you may need to take your recycling to a collection center. While this may be less convenient, you’ll be doing your part to help save the planet.

Some materials, like motor oil and paint, have to be taken separate from other recycling and taken to a hazardous material center for disposal. Other items, like printer cartridges, can be taken to a company that will use them to make new eco-friendly products.

As one of Stonecrest, GA’s most environmentally conscious office supply companies, Cartridge World Lithonia offers a wide range of recycled printer cartridges and paper. They also carry a broad selection of state-of-the-art printing supplies to suit the needs of everyone from students to large companies. Follow their Facebook for more updates, call (770) 484-4651 with any questions, or visit their store in person to stock up.