TERCER AÑO. Recycling can take many forms.

On a small scale, any time you find a new

use for something old, you're recycling. One example is making old cereal boxes into
magazine holders.
Recycling becomes more important on larger scales. At this level, used consumer goods are
collected, converted back into raw materials and remade into new consumer products.
Aluminum cans, office paper, steel from old buildings and plastic containers are all exam-
ples of materials commonly recycled in large quantities, often through municipal programs
encouraging bulk household collections.
It's rare for a recycled product to be exactly the same as the original material from which it
was recycled. Recycled paper, for example, contains ink residue and has shorter fibers than
virgin paper (paper made from wood pulp). Because of this, it may be less desirable for
some purposes, such as paper used in a copy machine.

Recycling Basics

Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be
thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. Recycling can benefit your
community and the environment.

Benefits of Recycling

 Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators

 Conserves natural resources such as timber, water and minerals
 Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials
 Prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials
 Saves energy
 Supports American manufacturing and conserves valuable resources
 Helps create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United States.

Reducing and Reusing Basics (SEGUNDO AÑO)

The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place. Making a new
product requires a lot of materials and energy - raw materials must be extracted from the
earth, and the product must be fabricated then transported to wherever it will be sold. As a
result, reduction and reuse are the most effective ways you can save natural resources,
protect the environment and save money.
Benefits of Reducing and Reusing
 Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials
 Saves energy
 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change
 Helps sustain the environment for future generations
 Saves money
 Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and
incinerators
 Allows products to be used to their fullest extent