Earth Day 2022 takes place this Friday, April 22nd and is an opportunity to highlight efforts to improve the environment. There are many ways that we can make a difference in our environment. From planting trees and wildflowers in spring to picking up litter as you walk your dog around the neighborhood or park, there are many options.
Another way is recycling. Removing materials such as paper, cardboard, glass and tin from the solid waste stream not only reduces the amount of material that is disposed in landfills but also reduces the oil required to make plastic and other synthetic substances. We still have a lot to do in Lapeer County, Michigan to encourage more people to recycle. However, we are making progress and that is encouraging.
According to Monday’s analysis by the Michigan Dept., recycling in Michigan has risen to an all-time high of 35.4%, up from pre-2019 levels. Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
EGLE also announced that more Michiganders have access to recycling services than ever before. The state has nearly doubled its number of households with curbside recycling bins and drop-off locations since 2019. Nearly 3,000,000 households now have access to recycling in their local communities. There is a difference between being able to recycle and actively recycling.
These results are based on a three-year-long review of state data by EGLE researchers. This was done in conjunction with the launch of EGLEs nationally award-winning Know It Before You Toss It recycling education campaign featuring The Recycling Raccoon Squad. The campaign, which began in 2019, aims to increase recycling and promote best practices for reducing contamination of materials with non-recyclable or unsuitable items in recycling bins or drop-off locations.
From being historically the lowest in the Great Lakes, Michigan’s recycling rate has increased steadily. The rate has risen by 35.4% from 14.25% in the past to 2019, a revised EGLE estimation from previous projections that was 15%, and peaks at 19.3% now based on the EGLE analysis.
This means that Michigan now captures over 500,000 tons more cardboard boxes, milk cartons and plastic bottles, organic material, and other recyclables. This amounts to over 110 pounds per person each year.
Michigan’s recycling industry processes 440,828 tonnes of material each year, which businesses use to boost local economies. Recycled material from Lapeer county households and businesses can be used to make new products and support business models that use recycled materials.
Some local garbage disposal businesses that offer curbside recycling have seen an increase of interest and business. Lapeer County Drop-off Recycling continues to be a viable option to residents in the area to recycle. Drop-off recycling will now be available in May at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Mayfield Township.
As important as what goes into the earth, it is important to pay attention what’s on the surface. Not only is litter unsightly it can also cause flooding when trash is deposited in the drains. After getting caught in trash, animals, birds, and fish can also be affected.
This weekend thousands of volunteers will participate in the first Adopt-a-Highway cleanup for 2022. They will remove trash, tires, and other items from the roadways. The cleanup beautifies roads and allows for mowing crews to continue cutting grass with fewer obstacles.
Earth Day can happen every day. We encourage residents to recycle in their homes and at work. We also encourage them to use less waste and to buy products that are more earth friendly. We can all make an impact together.
