Old School Recycling: the Aluminum Can

We get so obsessed with recycling plastic and paper, sometimes we can forget about recycling metal.

It used to be a big thing, recycling cans. Then it became a ubiquitous part of our culture so much so it seemed to drop from the new green radar: gotten lost in the plethora of green projects, sustainable materials and the eco-friendly solutions that bombard us.

So let’s revisit the world of recycling aluminum cans.

The main benefit of recycling aluminum is the fact that it is a sustainable product. Aluminum is a versatile and durable metal that can be used over and over again. The more we use aluminum versus tin cans or composite metal cans, the more we save in precious metal resources. Because, let’s face it, at this stage of the game, all of our metals are precious.

According to Earth911.com, an aluminum can that goes into recycling is reused every 60 days. Every aluminum can that gets recycled reduces the amount of crude oil necessary for processing new cans and reduce the amount of energy released during the manufacturing process thereby reducing carbon emissions and lowering the carbon footprint of the producer. Its another one of those win-win situations.

And the really good thing about recycling cans is that they are worth money. Yes, moola, cash, green.

Every aluminum can you turn in for recycling is worth a cent or two (depending on your state) and the money is used for a number of different causes. From charities and school fundraisers to recycling incentives and feeding the homeless, the aluminum can is a true community investment.

The can is 100 percent sustainable, 100 percent recyclable and 100 percent a great idea. So when you chose not to take your reusable steel water bottle out with you, grab a canned beverage instead of a plastic one off the store shelf. And when you are done, remember to toss in the recycling bin to offset your carbon footprint and promote sustainability.

Aluminum Cans. What a simple idea. What a great foundation for the green evolution.