* Everyone knows the importance of recycling, but few people take it seriously enough to actually do it on a regular basis. * This practice has become so commonplace that the average person assumes that someone else takes care of recycling and that they don't need to do anything at all. * However, even the most environmentally conscious people fail to see the importance of recycling and why it should be made compulsory if we are to protect our planet and all its inhabitants from environmental destruction. # What is Recycling? ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRMgXazGf89f3E1gkWLjy85prE64bRCmvhh4jkzw3TpgU/image.png) [source](https://pixabay.com/photos/garbage-plastic-philippines-cebu-4252118/) Everyone understands the importance of recycling, but few people take it seriously enough to do it on a regular basis. This practice has become so common that the average person believes that recycling is handled by someone else and that they do not need to do anything. Even the most environmentally conscious people, however, fail to recognize the significance of recycling and why it should be made mandatory if we are to protect our planet and all of its inhabitants from environmental destruction. # Value of different recyclables ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmd6cubpwuWiermwUiMEjWYC73nuSA1Z6w5neW4ZEnhkVS/image.png) [source](https://pixabay.com/photos/metal-recycling-waste-scrap-metal-3331384/) Aluminum cans are valuable recyclable due to their ability to be recycled multiple times before becoming damaged. Glass, on the other hand, can be recycled indefinitely, but only 30% of glass is currently being recycled. Paper is another important recyclable, with the ability to be recycled up to seven times before becoming damaged. By recycling every day for six months, you can save over 1,500 pounds of trash from landfills. Americans generated over 254 million tons of waste in 2008, which would require 166 Empire State Buildings to store all the waste. Recycling should not be mandatory, but people should continue to do their part by recycling whenever possible. # If recycling was made compulsory, how would it help the world? ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmYtoswMkfYn5Rzx4ET4e3CAprVRBXtP5SQqxqjFNxdbgj/image.png) [source](https://pixabay.com/photos/technology-windmill-heaven-2669439/) Recycling would benefit the world in a variety of ways if it became mandatory. For starters, it would reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This is significant because landfills are a major source of methane gas, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Furthermore, recycling would aid in the conservation of resources such as water and energy. Finally, recycling can help to create jobs in the Green Economy, which is beneficial to both the environment and the economy. That is why I believe recycling should be made mandatory. 1) Recycling reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which is important because landfills are a major source of greenhouse gases like methane. 2) Recycling conserves resources such as water and energy, which aids in the fight against global warming by utilizing fewer natural resources. 3) Finally, making recycling mandatory generates jobs in the green economy, which both protects our planet and benefits our people. # Do you believe recycling should be made mandatory? Absolutely! Recycling is one of the most simple ways to reduce our environmental impact. It not only saves resources, but it also reduces pollution and helps create jobs. Recycling also reduces landfill space and our carbon footprint. So, even if you don't care about the environment or the planet, you should recycle because it benefits you as well! Not only that but every time we put an empty can in the recycling bin instead of the trash, we are preventing more trash from filling up our landfills. I know this all sounds like a lot of work and not really worth it to some, but those people are missing out on what's really important here: preserving this planet for future generations. # Tips to make recycling easier ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmXNjwhC915cJcneFRJrMNSp7v211KNighgvq5XVKTbzUY/image.png) [source](https://pixabay.com/photos/park-waste-separation-recycling-4337477/) 1. Set up a recycling station in your home so that it’s easy to separate recyclables from other waste. 2. Get everyone in the household on board with recycling – make it a team effort! Educate yourself about what can and can’t be recycled – this will help you make better decisions about what goes in the bin. 4. Where possible, buy products that are made from recycled materials. 5. If you’re able to, try composting food scraps or paper towels (yes!) instead of throwing them out. 6. When shopping for new products, think about whether they're recyclable or not - do some research before making a purchase! 7. Share these tips with others and let them know how important recycling is for our planet's future! Recycling should be compulsory because we must preserve our planet's natural resources. We all have a responsibility to take care of our Earth and make sure that it survives for generations to come. Together, we can keep the environment clean by taking small steps like recycling more often than we used to.