The first step in buying recycled products is learning to identify the recycling symbols
Completing The Loop
Each of the three arrows in the recycling symbol has a meaning. The first arrow represents the collection of recyclables and the separation from the waste stream. The second arrow represents the manufacturers which take the recyclable material and make a new product from it. The last arrow represents consumers buying the recycled content products produced by the manufacturers. This is why many people say "your not recycling until you are buying recycled content products."
Many common consumer products contain recycled content. In fact, it is very likely that you have "completed the loop" and bought recycled content products.
- Over one-third of the corrugated cardboard boxes produced in the U.S. have recycled content in it.
- Over 25% of the glass bottles produces in the U.S. have recycled glass content.
- Over half of the aluminum cans produced in the U.S. have recycled content.
- The Lincoln Journal -Star Newspaper contains recycled newsprint. Depending on the supplier of the newsprint the percentage of recycled content in the newsprint ranges from 25% to 30%.
Products Made From Recycled Content
Here are some common product packages made from recycled material that you can find in your local store.
| Paper Products | Office Products | Construction Products | Yard Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanitary Tissue Products | Printer Ribbons, Toner Cartridges | Insulation | Wood chips, Mulch and Compost |
| Food Packaging | Pencils, Pens | Carpet | Soaker Hoses |
| Paper Towels and Napkins | Binders, Paper, envelopes | Plastic Patio Decking | Furniture, Plastic Fencing |
| Molded Paper Egg Cartons | Desk top Accessories | Dry Wall | Patio Blocks |
Buying recycled products is important because it saves natural resources, energy, clean air and water, landfill space, money and it creates jobs.
Ways You Can Help the Recycling Process
- Read product labels looking for recycled content.
- Commit to buy recycled at home.
- Ask local retailers to stock more products made from recycled material.
- If one of your favorite products does not have recycled content, call the manufacturer and ask them to change it.
- Check your phone book about local recycling programs. Most phone books list materials that are being recycled in your community.
- Tell your friends about recycled content products that you like.
