We have all seen the classic triangular recycling symbol at some point in our lives. Whether on a billboard, a television commercial, or a recycling bin around school, we all recognize that little, green triangle made up of continually flowing arrows. We think to ourselves "Yeah...I really should recycle..." and then continue on with our daily lives without giving a serious thought about recycling or what kind of impact it could have, or doesn't have, on our planet. I recycle. You should recycle. And here's why:

First, recycling is simple! Once you empty a cereal box, check for the recycling logo. It's usually clearly posted to encourage recycling, but if not, it's probably located on the bottom part of the box. If it's there, great! Toss it in the recycling bin. Boom. Easy peasy. You can recycle paper, plastic, glass, aluminum, metal, ink cartridges, and tons more. Up to 60% of things we throw away are recyclable! Think you can take the extra two seconds to check for the recycling logo before throwing that into the garbage can? I think you can do it.

Second, the environment desperately needs us to recycle. All of those plastics and other recyclable materials you are throwing into the garbage can are adding to the massive piles of waste we call landfills. Greenhouse gases and harmful chemicals are being released from these landfills creating pollution in the air that has a negative impact on our bodies and nature. Deforestation is a huge issue right now. We could exponentially decrease the amount of trees being cut down if we would only recycle paper and paper products. Trees give off oxygen, folks, and we kind of need that chemical to live and breathe. Don't forget that small detail.

Third, recycling is important to us as humans, as well. Pollution is obviously not good for our health. I don't think any of us would want to have to walk around wearing masks to try and keep from inhaling harmful chemicals in the air. Recycling can also save you money. Buying plastic cups, plates, and utensils to use so you don't have to wash dishes all the time can get expensive. Instead, buy reusable kitchen supplies. It's cheaper and creates less waste. Being a college student, I see students walking around with cheap, plain, plastic water bottles they can just throw away once all the water is gone. That can be expensive, too. Instead, pick out a cute, reusable water bottle and fill it with clean filtered water from your home.

There are neighorhood recycling bins available for you to put your recyclables in, as well as recycling services to come pick up your recyclables similar to those that come pick up your trash. Simply sort out garbage and recycles and put them in the correct bin in your garage. Then, when it's trash day, put them on your driveway to be picked up. Viola! You're recycling! I encourage you to recycle if you don't already. Future generations will thank us for helping to preserve our home on Earth for a little while longer.

Go Green!