While aluminum has many uses, the use of aluminum cans for packaging represents a large percentage of the aluminum industry. Aluminum, which is manufactured from extracted bauxite ore, is easily recyclable. Recycling aluminum uses less than ten percent of the energy used to extract bauxite ore and then manufacture new aluminum. Recycling also conserves natural resources used in the manufacturing process.
Recycling cans is also a great way to reduce needed landfill space. This in turn reduces the energy expended in the landfill process. It also reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from a landfill. Not to mention that it can be a great activity for the entire family.
So before tossing that can into the trash, consider that it will take nearly nine times the energy to replace it than it would to recycle it. An aluminum can may be recycled about once every sixty days. Whereas, the process for extracting raw material and manufacturing a new can is considerably more complex and energy intensive.
Remember that each of has a responsibility to do our little part in conserving energy and natural resources. Together we can make the world a cleaner place for ourselves and generations to come. Will you do your part?