This is part of a continuing series of columns on recycling in Hancock County.
I’ve heard people say, “closing the loop” — but what does that mean?
Closing the loop is another way of saying that we are completing the recycling circle. You buy a product, recycle the container, then purchase a product made with recycled content.
Have you ever noticed how many items you purchase that are made with recycled content? Do you make a point to purchase these items? There are many items that we can buy that are made with recycled materials. The bulk of these items are recycled paper products, like printer paper, napkins, paper towels and more. The next time you are purchasing these items, make a point to buy something that has been recycled. If no one purchases the recycled items, then there is no point to recycling.
You probably are already purchasing items made with recycled content and you aren’t even aware of it. Many cereal boxes and snack food boxes are made with recycled paper. If you look on the bottom of the box, it will tell you if it has been made with recycled content. You will be surprised at how many items are packaged in these recycled boxes.
Other items that you are purchasing that may have been recycled are glass jar or bottle items or items in a can. Glass and aluminum can be recycled indefinitely. There is no loss to the quality of items that are made with recycled glass or aluminum, so these items can be recycled over and over again. Typically, there is no mention on glass jars or on cans as to whether the containers have been recycled.
I remember as a kid, going to the grocery store with my mom and returning our glass Coke bottles and getting a refund. I also remember taking garbage bags full of aluminum cans to the metal recycler and getting money for them. Even though we didn’t get much money for the items, it was still very rewarding to get paid for doing the right thing. Some states still offer these recycling incentives. I am hopeful that someday, they will bring this opportunity back to Indiana to encourage recycling.
So, whenever you have the opportunity, try to purchase recycled items and “close the loop.” If you need additional information on recycling, please contact me at [email protected] or 317-526-8723.
