With all these benefits, why not recycle?

Our troop took in almost 13 pounds of aluminum cans and we earned $7! They take things like the inside parts of computers, electrical wiring⁄cords, aluminum and steel cans, air conditioning units, appliances, bicycles, aluminum siding, gutters, windows, old cars, light fixtures, sinks, faucets, and more. 

All of these things can be used again instead of sitting in a landfill. Cool! 

Did you know that recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run your TV for three hours? How about that used aluminum cans are recycled and end up back on store shelves as new cans in as little as 60 days?

We even learned that recycling 2,000 pounds of cardboard saves 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of fresh water. More trees means cleaner air to breathe! 

We can keep re-using the materials we already have instead of having to make new ones.

We can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t recycle. It may take a little more effort than just tossing something in your trash can, but it sure is worth it!

Thanks Reliable Recycling for the free informative tour, and for all that you do every day to help keep the Earth a cleaner place for us to live.

Kelly Temple, Frederick

The writer is a leader of Frederick Brownie Troop 81740, which consists of first-graders from Deer Crossing and Oakdale elementary schools.