In honor of Earth Day on April 22, Waste Management encourages businesses to make the biggest impact by getting back to the basics of good recycling.
By visiting RecycleOftenRecycleRight.com, individuals can learn how three simple steps will contribute to a greener Earth and make a promise to be a better recycler. By making a commitment to recycle the right way on Earth Day and every day, Calgary can help create a sustainable recycling culture for generations to come.
“By emphasizing the most common recyclable products and providing helpful tips to ensure those materials can be recycled rather than end up in a landfill, Waste Management hopes to significantly impact the amount of usable materials entering the recycling facilities,” says Guy Thompson, area vice president. “We find that many people want to do the right thing and find another use for unwanted items so they place them in their recycling bin, but some items simply belong in the trash, while used clothing, toys and household items should be donated to a local deserving charity.”
Since Earth Day started 46 years ago, recycling has become more common among households and businesses. But recycling has also become more contaminated over the years, making recycling efforts less efficient.
- US/Canada are the #1 waste producers per capita globally
- Each person in the US/Canada produces 4.5 lbs. of waste per day; 136 lbs. per month; 1632 lbs. per year
Here are some recycling tips that will reduce contamination and make the biggest impact on Earth Day and every day:
- Recycle all empty bottles, cans and paper.
- Recycling one aluminum can save enough energy to power a TV for three hours.
- Recycling one glass bottle can save enough energy to power a computer for 30 mins.
- Recycling one plastic bottle can save enough energy to power a 60 watt light bulb for 3 hours.
- Keep items clean and dry. Soggy items can spoil a whole load of recycling – no food residue or liquids!
- In Calgary, recycle your clean grocery/shopping bags, clothing/garment bags, bread bags, sandwich/lunch bags, freezer bags and plastic mesh bags in recycling carts/bins or at Calgary community recycling depots.
By recycling properly, residents help materials get to their next best use, which in turn saves tons upon tons of raw materials, time, energy and expense.
For further insights specifically related to commercial properties please see commercial properties insights PDF.
Submitted on behalf of the BOMA Communications Committee