Recycling: Save Planet EarthPreserving the environment is very important. One way to do this would be to recycle. Recycling is the recovery and reprocessing of waste for use in new products. Recycling has significant environmental and economic benefits. Common recycled materials include aluminum cans, glass, paper, wood and plastic (“Recycling”). Cleveland, Ohio, has joined the ranks of countries requiring recycling and also fines homeowners who do not properly dispose of trash or leave cans too early or for too long (McElroy 1). Michele McCay says recycling is one of the simplest and most concrete ways to do something for the planet (para. 1). If so, why isn't this required in all states? Recycling should be mandatory as it saves natural resources, energy and pollution. On the other hand, some people believe that recycling should not be mandatory. Some people have the impression that recycling is not always profitable. Sometimes new factories may be needed to process reusable materials. It could even create more pollution due to the cleaning, storage and transportation that takes place. Additionally, some people feel that recycled products may not last long. Recycled materials are not always of reliable quality. The materials are mostly made of discarded waste, which is why the products are cheap and last less. Another reason why some people think there is no need to recycle is that there are unsafe and unsanitary recycling sites. Places like landfills, where all kinds of waste are dumped, contribute to the spread of different diseases and other dangers caused by harmful chemicals and waste. People also think it's paper... or lakes (Weber 2). When people simply throw away their waste instead of recycling it, it is a poor use of land and can contribute to serious health problems in animals, plants and humans. Therefore, recycling can protect natural resources, conserve energy and reduce pollution. If people want to save planet Earth for generations to come, recycling is necessary. On Debate.org, the question “Should recycling be made compulsory?” was asked and 84 percent said yes, while only 16 percent said no (“Should recycling be mandatory”). Recycling is very important for the planet and can make a huge difference in so many ways. Recycling is a way of life and once a person makes the choice to follow the steps, recycling can become second nature. Every little contribution contributes to how society shapes the future of Earth. How can anyone make a difference?