Recycling can help reduce waste and lower greenhouse gasses

Amazon forest fires, the ever-fluctuating ozone hole, ever-strengthening storms—these are all issues that can affect each of us through the weather, our atmosphere and, eventually, our future.

Thankfully, there are steps we can take to help solve these issues, such as being aware of the waste we produce, turning off lights when they’re not needed, and of course the three Rs: reduce, re-use and recycle.

When it comes to recycling, the goal is to decrease waste products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (gasses that absorb infrared radiation, carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons) by lowering the amount of “virgin” plastics, glass and other re-usable materials we produce. 

Vicksburg Recycling provides the community with an outlet to recycle metals, such as cans, in an effort to solve this issue.

“Recycling these metal items most definitely helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Jeff Thoman with Vicksburg Recycling.

“Especially if people are aware and conscious of those types of behaviors beforehand, because it affects basically your purchases. It makes you stop and think: ‘Do I actually need to buy plastic bottled items, or would I rather buy the same product in a can?’ … If people are aware of that type of thing, then I think it can help the environment.”

Vicksburg Recycling has a goal to help the environment and the people.

“We primarily recycle metals here, but overall, recycling is just beneficial to the environment as far as things not piling up and not wasting materials,” Thoman said, adding, “Even tin type material, metal cans and things like that, if you recycle that type of material, it’s helping the environment.”

Thoman emphasized that by decreasing the amount of plastics we use and, instead, making the choice to buy goods in recyclable metal containers, consumers can really help, especially as plastics virtually never degrade naturally.

“With a lot of people being aware of the issue and purchasing more aluminum cans and metal cans and recycling them, [that] can help the environment in a great way,” he said.

If you or anyone you know is interested in starting a journey to help our environment, contact Vicksburg Recycling at 601-631-6978 or visit their website.