Many efforts already have been made to close the recycling loop.
Manufacturers of consumer products are recycling impressive amounts of readily reusable
products. About 27 percent of the nation's newspapers, office paper, cardboard, aluminum,
glass, and steel containers are being recycled. As consumer demand increases for recycled
good and packaging, so will the amounts of aluminum, paper, steel, glass, and plastic
being recycled.
Are You in the Loop?
How can you help close the recycling loop? Consumers must make an effort to close the loop
by buying recycled. Consumers can demonstrate the importance of recycling to manufacturers
by purchasing items made of or packaged in recycled materials. With this clear mandate
from consumers, manufacturers will continue to buy and use recyclable materials.
Today recycling is on the agenda of nearly every major company in the nation. Product
changes, research projects and pilot programs are starting almost daily. Consumers are the
driving force in convincing manufacturers to expand their efforts to produce recycled
products.
Be a Label Reader
Make an effort to look for recycling information printed on packages. In our quest for
healthier foods, people are reading nutritional labels on packages. Let's commit ourselves
to reading environmental labels and to buying recyclable products, recycled products
and products packaged in recycled materials. You might be surprised to find that even with
products you buy on a regular basis, you've been "buying recycled."
A good place to begin is in the supermarket. Check labels on boxes of cereal, cookies and
crackers for the recycle symbol. Check canned goods and food in glass containers. Check
detergents and cleaning supplies in plastic containers. In fact, start checking all labels
on all items you buy. You will uncover dozens of packages made from recycled materials.
Most manufacturers that use cans and glass in their packaging already use recycled
materials. Some labels are small, some large. Some appear on side panels, others appear on
flaps of a box or carton. Although there is no standard or universal symbol, many
companies use three arrows forming a loop.
Searching For Products Made From Recyclable Materials
Packaging holds most of the clues for closing the recycling loop. But more and more actual
products are being made from recyclables and packaged in recycled materials. Look for:
- writing paper, note pads, greeting cards, and other stationery supplies
- household paper products, such as paper towels and bath tissues
- products in recycled containers or packaging, such as canned goods, beverages and detergents
- carpeting
- tools
- plastic products, such as flower pots and fencing
- packing boxes
- rubber mulch made from recycled tires
Remanufactured products often cost less than new ones and often fit your needs.
Look for:
- re-refined motor oil
- retread tires and automotive batteries
