How Can Recycling Bins Help the Arctic?

In our daily lives, we’re often faced with the idea that the “little things” don’t really count for much. We feel like one person’s actions can’t make a big difference. This seems especially true when confronted with global issues like pollution, especially since many of the regions affected seem well outside our sphere of influence, such as the Arctic. You might be surprised to learn that because the packaging for everyday products do make their way to this part of the world, you actually can make a difference with something as simple as a recycling bin. Since arctic sea ice helps regulate global climate, safeguarding it is well worth the effort.

The American Chemistry Council cites an informative article on the subject of marine debris turning up in Arctic sea ice, as well as the raw materials used to make plastics. Whether plastic bottles or plastic resin pellets arrive by boat or simply as trash tossed into the ocean, much of this waste would not contaminate the Arctic if it had been properly recycled. 

Now that you know that recycling plastics helps the arctic, what exactly should you recycle? It would be great if plastic containers came stamped with a simple message, such as, “Yes, recycle me,” or “Toss me in the trash,” but unfortunately they don’t. The reason is that some type of plastics are easier to recycle than others, and certain types of plastic have more selling potential. Look inside the recycling triangle symbol. If the number is “1” or “02,” you can definitely recycle it. If it’s “04” or “05,” check with your recycling provider. You’ll only have to check once and you’ll know from then on out if you can toss it in the recycle bin. If the number is anything else, pitch it.