Michigan has set a record for its recycling for the third year in a row with 82,000 more tons recycled than last year. We’ve done all this with only 15% of Michiganders Recyling.
Madi Opperthauser of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy or EGLE alongside Natalie Jakub of Green Living Science appeared on “Live in the D” to talk about the benefits of recycling in Michigan.
Recycling is great for the environment and economy. It saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions which helps issues with climate change. Most importantly it helps conserve natural recourses in the state while contributing to over 17,000 jobs and 17 billion dollars in our economy in Michigan.
EGLE has created the “Know it before you throw it” campaign which is helps Michiganders understand what goes into recycling bin. Opperthauser showed us that cardboard boxes can go into curbside recycling bins including pizza boxes as long as there’s not a lot of grease or cheese. Paper products, cartons, and specific plastic containers can go into the curbside recycling bin as well.
Green Living Science is a nonprofit that teaches families about reducing waste and recycling.
“We feel it’s important to teach families about reducing waste and recycling so that they can better understand their impact on the environment. Doing so, we think that we can empower the next generation of environmental leaders to help make a difference,” said Jakub.
Jakub explained that styrofoam or plastic bags should be dropped off at a recycling center or grocery store since those things don’t belong in a curbside recycling bin. Paper plates, wrappers, plastic utensils, belong in the trash can and not a recycling center or recycling bin.
to learn more about Green Living Science head over to their website and if you want to learn more about EGLE’s “Know it before you throw it” campaign you can head over to their website as well.
To see the full interview, click the video player above.