The Container Recycling Institute reports that 4.3 billion pounds of the 2 most common types of plastic were wasted in 2004, while only about 1 billion pounds were recycled—not to mention the 4 other common kinds of plastic we come into contact with daily.  This means each person wastes almost 160 plastic bottles per year.

These staggering facts demonstrate we have a long way to go to raise awareness about the importance of recycling our plastic.  There are many uses for it.  Products made from recycled plastic range from clothing and carpeting to cameras and playground equipment, and scientists are discovering more uses every day.

Recycling is easy once you get into the habit.  Make a conscious effort to pay attention to which bins you throw your bottles and containers into and soon it will become second nature!