‘Recycling is important’. It’s a common phrase – one which the majority of us have heard. You’ll most likely know of its main benefits.
Fundamentally, it helps to reduce the production of non-renewable materials, such as plastics and metals. As you may already know, both fabrics take years, often even centuries, to decompose.
Even worse, plastic is entering the oceans, rivers and lakes at a rapid pace, threatening eco-systems.
Recycle, and you can minimize these risks. You’ll also be able to reap more obscure rewards.
To find out more, explore the top three lesser known benefits of recycling.
Job Creation
Unemployment seems to be a major concern among Brits; many are worried that its rates are rising.
New statistics released by the ONS suggest otherwise.
However, according to a recent study, 76.1% of UK residents are working – the highest percentage since 1971.
A number of those surveyed will likely be employed by recycling services. It is, after all, a growing industry – one which spans various roles.
These include collection, construction and machine handling.
In addition, its businesses – like any – typically require staff that are skilled in HR, logistics and management.
As global warming gains more serious attention, the sector may very well expand. In turn, it could create more jobs around the world.
Food Protection
Plastic pollution already affects almost 700 oceanic species. Though this may seem relatively irrelevant to the human population, it isn’t – and it’s actually obvious why.
The Ocean Conservancy states that plastic was discovered in 60% of all seabirds analysed in a recent study. 100% of the sea turtle species examined had ingested the material.
Indirect plastic consumption has, worryingly, spread to humans.
Another report underlines that fish-eating Brits risk ingesting 11,000 pieces of plastic per year. If plastic wastage continues to grow, it could have a serious impact on human health across the globe.
Recycle, and you won’t just be limiting how much plastic ends up in water systems – you’ll be able to better protect food, as well.
Data Security
The terms ‘recycling’ and ‘data security’ are rarely used in the same sentence. However, each can strengthen the other.
‘Recycling’ generally encompasses waste reduction. Collectively, people that actively decrease their paper consumption, lower the overall demand for deforestation in the Earth’s rainforest and its other woodland.
And this, of course, is vital. Rainforests generate oxygen and affect the water cycle. Its depletion could harm not only eco-systems, but the overall health of the planet.
Anyone who reduces their paper consumption helps to prevent this from happening.
Companies, in particular, can have a powerful impact. Innovators like First Mile have enabled businesses to improve their wastage systems.
Recycling doesn’t just benefit the planet. It could heighten data security, too.
How? It’s simple: if you lower your paper consumption, you’ll be more inclined to store data on IT systems, rather than on physical documents.
And this may be particularly valuable for sensitive information. If you limit this data to secure IT systems, it will be less likely to come into criminal hands.
If you reduce paper consumption, you stand to maximise safety for your company.
Waste can be eco-friendly – so long as you deal with it sensibly.
Conclusion
Recycling is a key way to keep the planet healthy. With these tips, you’ll be able to better understand the more obscure advantages to doing it.
