3 Ways Plastic Damages the Environment

Plastic is one of the most useful of all of humanity's inventions, serving valuable and convenient functions in anything from medicine to cleaning to food preservation. However, there are significant downsides to the amount of plastic produced, and the disposal of those items. Various plastics can have significant negative effects on the environment if they are not taken care of responsibly.

One of the major reasons plastic can be harmful is, ironically, the same trait that makes it so useful. Most plastics are durable materials which degrade very slowly. While this is ideal for protecting and preserving, it means that plastics which are thrown away can linger in the environment for decades or even centuries. Though some modern plastics are designed to be biodegradable, many of these only break down when exposed to sunlight, so when buried in landfills they will continue to last. Plastic refuse can be dangerous to wildlife, especially if they eat it or become trapped in discarded wrappings or containers.

Another environmental concern that scientists have only recently become aware of is microplastics. These tiny particles of plastic, usually smaller than a millimeter in diameter, can come from either the breakdown of larger plastic items, or are directly manufactured for various purposes. Microplastics persist for long periods of time, especially in marine ecosystems, and once ingested by an animal they can linger in its systems, or be passed up the food chain through predation. Quantities of microplastics have even been found in samples of the fish people commonly eat.The accumulated particles can block the digestive track and also leach chemicals into the animals that can have negative health effects. Some of the synthetic organic chemicals found in microplastics have been linked to liver and kidney damage and cancer, among other ailments.

As plastics are organic, carbon-based polymers, burning plastic releases carbon into the atmosphere, increasing global warming effects. Biodegradable plastics likewise emit methane as they degrade. Uncontrolled incineration of plastics can also produce carcinogens and other toxic fumes. While municipal waste incinerators use high temperatures and special treatments to handle plastics, a better option is to recycle. Melting down discarded plastic items or grinding them up to serve as filler can reduce manufacturing costs and prevents more plastic from entering the environment.

Though plastic is too useful for people to do without, steps should be taking to reduce its negative impact on the biosphere. For advice and recommendations on the safe disposal of your unwanted plastic items, see this link for more information about plastic recycling in Santa Clara.

How to Organize Those Old Brass Parts

Brass may not be considered an element metal but it is certainly valued in the realm of recycling. Categorized as an alloy, brass is created with the use of copper and zinc. While it may not be as easy to identify recyclable brass as it is other items such as glass or aluminum, it is just as important to get this metal to the recycling center. With the large amount of brass used today, it is easy to fill landfills unnecessarily with this material. Growing landfills have become a problem with the discarded trash furthering pollution issues and contamination of nearby areas. Knowing how to organize your recyclable brass can assist and simplifying the process.

While its uses are not nearly as widespread as it once was, red brass is a category of the metal that can usually be recycled. Created by mixing about 15 percent zinc with 85 percent copper, red brass can be found in plumbing pieces and is common in shut off valves, bearings, outdoor faucets and sprinklers. The high levels of copper create the rose, or red tint, which can be easily seen with a small amount of filing. Due to the high volume of copper in the composition of red brass, it can increase the value of this particular metal depending on the current demand.

Semi -red brass has come to replace its predecessor red brass nowadays due to the less pricey mixture that creates it. It has approximately five percent less copper and zinc, with tin and other elements added to make up the difference. This creates a metal that can be used in much the same way as red brass, but at lower prices.

Yellow brass is the most common brass you will find around your home. With only about 65 percent copper and 35 percent zinc, it is aptly named for its golden tint. You can find much of this metal in plumbing related items, but also in bullet casings and many keys. It is a shinier metal and is often used in creating musical instruments such as trombones, trumpets and saxophones, as well as costume jewelry. While the coloring makes it fairly easy to identify this particular alloy type, a light filing of its surface should make it a bit more obvious.

Once you get used to identifying the different types of brass with which you come into contact, it will be easier to organize your recyclable metals. This allows you to save time when you head to the recycling center by desegregating your collection. Visit this website to learn more about brass recycling in Santa Clara region.

The Clear Benefits of Glass Bottle Recycling

Recycling is an important way to honor the earth. Many materials, including glass, can be reused to make new containers or other useful items. This practice keeps tons of ‘garbage’ out of landfills every year, and repurposes quality materials into new products. There are many benefits when you protect the earth and help create new material by recycling you old glass bottles.

Did you know that manufacturers are able to use 90% of recycled glass in the production of new items? This is an excellent benefit of recycling this particular type of material and an important avenue for you to protect the environment. This is a very efficient use of resources and can significantly reduce the impact on landfills.

Glass does not degrade in its chemical composition when it is recycled. What this means is that it can be used over and over again in a continual cycle of reuse. This is a long-term benefit for the environment due to the strong quality of the material. Glass is durable and chemically stable enough to provide an effective circle of use of resources for many years to come.

Another benefit of recycling your glass in California is the economical aspect of the practice. In this state you can get CRVs, or California Redemption Value, for some recyclable beverage containers. Depending on the size of the item, they may be available for $.05 credit or $.10 credit per piece. Twenty-four ounces or larger will get the higher credit. Glass is one of the three types of eligible materials for CRVs, along with aluminum cans and plastic bottles.

Recycling businesses can take a lot of different unwanted items out of your hands and utilize this glass. They can receive soda, wine, liquor, and beer bottles, and then clean them, break them down into a product called cullet. They will then mold them back together for use once more. This is an excellent and environmentally-friendly way to reduce waste of these items by bringing them back into the production of new products.

There are many benefits to recycling your old glass bottles. The reuse of the materials keeps tons of potential waste out of landfills and protects the earth. It can also be economically beneficial to you if you bring your old beverage bottles to a business that recycles glass. For more information on glass recycling in Santa Clara and the surrounding areas, visit this website.

What to do With an Old Radiator

 

Radiators are an important part of any vehicle. They are in place to keep the engine cool with a mixture of water and antifreeze. Without it, your car would be unable to run properly. That's why problems quickly start cropping up when your old radiator starts getting faulty or perhaps breaks altogether. Not only is this bad for your car, it's bad for the environment too. Replacing and recycling your old radiator in a timely manner is a good move for everyone involved.

Reusing Your Radiator

• Taking scrap metal to a recycling center can often result in some instant cash for you. There are many places one can go where people are eager to buy scrap metal.
• Recycling an old radiator as soon as it breaks or becomes faulty is good for the environment. A poorly working radiator can cause pollution that is both unpleasant to you and to the world around you.
• Letting your old parts get reused means less waste, and it also helps us preserve precious resources. The metal in your radiator can be reused to make all kinds of things.

Recycling your old, faulty radiator has so many benefits you'd be foolish not to do it. Getting rid of the old part and replacing it with something new will help your car run better. You can also get money for the part, and feel good about helping the planet. Visit this website to learn more about a radiator recycling program in San Jose.

Recycling Old Electronics

 

Electronics are everywhere in our daily lives. They help us do so many things, so ubiquitous that we often take them for granted. Though they are highly useful while they work, our electronic devices present a problem when they break or simply finish out their lifespan. Then they start taking up space instead of being helpful. At this stage it's tempting to throw them in the garbage and get them out of the way. In this situation, however, recycling is the best course of action to take for several reasons.

Reasons to Recycle

• Many electronics contain hazardous materials, especially computer monitors. These can do serious damage to the environment if thrown away and left in a landfill.
• If concern for the planet doesn't convince you, maybe the law will. Throwing away electronics with regular garbage is illegal in many states, and can result in heavy fines.
• Simply tossing your old computer in the trash leaves it vulnerable for anyone to come by and access your important information. Even if you have deleted your files they might still be accessed. Recycling is safer and confidential.
• The parts you recycle go toward creating new electronics, which reduces waste and makes the whole process more efficient.

These are just a few of the many good reasons to recycle your old electronics instead of throwing them away. This course of action is better for the planet and better for you. Click here to learn more about electronic recycling in San Jose

Getting Your Old Washer Out of the Way

 

While it's still in good working order, a washing machine is a great asset to any home. However, when it breaks, it's just in the way. Of course you want to get rid of it as soon as possible, whether to make room for a new one or simply get it out of the way. It might be tempting to throw your old washer in the trash, but you will soon see that recycling is the much better option for several reasons.

The Case for Recycling

• There are many recycling centers out there ready to take your old appliances. It can be easy to find one in your area with just a bit of research, and is more convenient than you might think.
• Recycling your appliances prevents them from taking up space in a landfill and spending years there harming the environment.
• Old, faulty washers waste water. Removing them from use entirely rather than throwing them away or donating them helps save water in the long run.
• Recycled appliances get dismantled and their parts are used to make multiple new products, which means less waste and more efficiency.

Don't let the inconvenience of a broken washer linger in your home for too long. The perfect solution for your problem is close at hand. You have nothing to lose by recycling old appliances. It's good for you and for the planet. Visit this website to learn more about appliance recycle in Santa Clara.