Reasons Why You Should Buy Recycled Products

When you recycle, you are doing your part to help conserve the world's resources. Another way to help: buy recycled (or upcycled) products and help create demand. They are often cheaper than their non-recycled counterparts, and they can be just as good or better in quality. So if you're looking for a way to do your part for the environment and save some money, buying recycled products is a great option. 

Let's discover some of the best ways you can support the recyclable (and circular) economy and the reasons behind them. 

 

Protect the environment

The first and most obvious reason to buy recycled products is to help protect the environment. Every year, millions of tons of waste are sent to landfills, where they release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. By buying recycled items, you can help help create demand and, over the long term, help divert more waste from going to landfills. Why not invest in recycled benches and picnic sets for your next outdoor gathering? By buying recycled, you're also helping to conserve natural resources like water, energy, and trees. It takes a lot less water and energy to manufacture things out of recycled materials than it does to create new products from scratch, and fewer trees are cut down when recycled paper is used instead of virgin tree pulp. All of these factors contribute to a healthier planet.

 

Sustainability

Another reason to buy recycled products is that it helps create a more sustainable world. A sustainable world meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In other words, sustainability is about meeting our needs today without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to do the same. One way we can create a more sustainable world is by using recycled products. By using recycled materials, we can help reduce the number of resources we consume and the amount of waste we generate. Additionally, recyclables help create jobs in the green economy and support other sustainable practices like composting. For example, when you buy recycled paper, you are supporting the forestry industry which practices sustainable forestry.

Save money

In addition to helping the environment, buying recycled, or gently used, products can also save you money. Second-life products are often cheaper than their non-recycled counterparts because they require less energy and water to produce. This also goes for second-hand clothing and other things you can buy used. Additionally, many recycled products are made from post-consumer waste, which means that they're made from materials that have already been used and would otherwise be sent to landfills. So not only are you saving money by buying recycled products, but you're also helping to reduce waste and conserve resources.

Buying recyclable materials

When you're shopping for recycled products, it's important to make sure that you're buying materials that can actually be recycled. Not all materials can be recycled, and some can only be recycled a certain number of times before they need to be disposed of in a landfill. The best way to make sure you're buying recyclable materials is to look for recycling symbols on the product. The recycling symbol is usually a triangle made of arrows and has a number inside it. The number corresponds to the type of material the product is made from. For example, if the recycling symbol has a "1" inside it, then the product is made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic, which can be recycled into things like bottles, carpets, and clothing.

• When you're looking for recycled products, it's also important to check the labels to see what percentage of the product is made from recycled materials. The higher the percentage, the better it is for the environment. However, even products with a lower percentage of recycled content can still help reduce waste and conserve resources.

 

Support local businesses

When you buy recycled/upcycled products, you're often supporting local, or small, businesses. Many small businesses rely on recycled materials to create their products. By buying from these businesses, you're supporting the local economy and helping to create jobs. Additionally, many of these businesses use recycling materials that would otherwise be sent to landfills. So not only are you supporting a local business, but you're also helping to keep waste out of landfills. For example, you can buy recycled jewelry, furniture, or clothing from local businesses.

• What makes a business sustainable?

  When you're looking for sustainable businesses to support, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, sustainable businesses use environmentally friendly practices. This means they use renewable resources, minimize waste, and avoid polluting the air, water, or land. Additionally, sustainable businesses are socially responsible. This means they have fair wages and benefits for their employees and provide safe working conditions. Finally, sustainable businesses are financially stable. This means they make enough money to cover their operating costs and have a positive impact on the economy.

   

Reduce your carbon footprint

Another reason to buy recycled products is that they can help reduce your carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is the number of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, a family, a business, or an event. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. By recycling and using recycled products, you can help reduce the number of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Additionally, recycling helps conserve resources like water and energy, which also reduces emissions. So if you're looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint, buying recycled products is a great option. Other options include:

• Energy efficiency: using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs
• Water conservation: using low-flow showerheads and toilets, and watering your garden during the cooler hours of the day (or with grey water diverted from baths, showers, and washing machines)
  
• Waste reduction: avoiding single-use plastics, composting, and reducing food waste

 

There are many reasons why you should buy recycled, or upcycled, products. Recycling helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and create jobs. It also supports other sustainable practices like composting. Additionally, buying recycled products can save you money and help reduce your carbon footprint. So next time you're shopping, be sure to look for the recycled option.