1. Buying recycled conserves resources

Making the most out of resources allows us to cut down fewer trees, to mine fewer minerals, and to pump less oil out of the ground to make the products we buy every day.

2. Buying recycled reduces waste and pollution

Each step in the manufacturing process of any product creates waste and pollution, reducing the number of steps in the process through recycling efforts therefore reduces waste and pollution.

3. Buying recycled conserves energy

In the same way that recycling reduces waste and pollution, by avoiding the initial extraction of raw materials from the earth energy is conserved.

4. Buying recycled creates jobs

The collection, process and manufacturing of recycled material employs many more individuals than traditional waste disposal practices and adds value to resources once labeled waste.

5. Buying recycled improves competitiveness

As companies and industries conserve resources and energy, and reduce waste through recycling related activities they also increase their efficiency and competitiveness in the marketplace

Fortunately, recycled products are now easier to find, higher in quality than early counterparts and cost effective too. Recycled materials are used to create both recycled products and recycled packaging for a variety of products. Products and the packages that protect them often identify themselves as made from recycled- content material, so look for recycled products wherever you shop.

Cardboard or boxboard packaging that is gray on the inside usually contains a high percentage of post-consumer recycled material.

Aluminum cans contain an average of 50% post-consumer recycled, even if their labels do not state this.

Glass bottles contain an average of 30% post-consumer recycled material. Green and amber glass contains even higher percentages of recycled material. (often call "tin") contain an average of 28% post-consumer recycled material.

Paper products: Green Forest brand bathroom tissues, paper towels, and napkins - (100% recycled; 90% post-consumer waste, 10% pre-consumer waste)

Trash bags: Renew brand trash bags - (80%-100% recycled: 24%-60% post consumer waste, 40%-70% pre-consumer waste)

Pet products: Care Fresh and Kitty Flush brand cat litter - (100% recycled paper fiber, at least 10% pre-consumer waste)