24 Ways to Save the Planet: Did you know?
71% of old newspapers were recycled; 75% of old corrugated boxes were recycled; and 41% of all office paper was recycled.
This means that each adult will leave a legacy of as much as 100,000 pounds of trash for his or her children.
58% of all steel cans were recycled, 84% of all discarded appliances were recycled, and 95% of all junk automobiles were recycled.
Each American disposes about 35 pounds of old clothing and other textiles each year. 10 pounds per person is recycled.
44% ends up as second-hand clothing (typically sold to third world countries), 20% is used to make wiping and polishing cloths, and the rest is used to make other fiber products.
21% of all discarded plastic bottles were recycled
Reducing emissions from energy consumption. Manufacturing goods from recycled materials requires less energy than producing goods from virgin materials. When less energy is needed, fewer fossil fuels are burned and less carbon dioxide is emitted to the a
Reducing methane emissions from landfills. By diverting organic materials from landfills, we reduce the methane released when these materials decompose.
Increasing storage of carbon in trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in wood, in a process called Acarbon sequestration@. Waste prevention and recycling of paper products allow more trees to remain standing in the forest.
...when compared with using virgin materials, in manufacturing products and disposing wastes.
By keeping your water heater insulated could save 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $40 per year.
Turning your heater thermostat down just two degrees in winter and up two degrees in the summer will save 2000 lbs of carbon dioxide and $98 per year!
Carpooling with friends and co-workers saves 790 lbs. of carbon dioxide and hundreds of dollars per year in fuel costs.