Recycling plays a vital in enhancing environmental protection. It not only conserve resources, but also protects the environment. These environmental benefits include minimizing the amount of waste sent to combustion facilities and landfills. By so doing, recycling conserves natural resources such as minerals, water, and timber. It prevents pollution by minimizing the need to gather new raw materials. Recycling also improves the efficiency of the energy used to collect, process, and transport products. It prevents the burning of fossil fuels and reduces air pollution. Recycling is a fundamental part of an “environmentally responsible” lifestyle. To reduce our negative impact on the earth’s resources, we must take steps to reduce our consumption and recycle what we can’t reuse. Americans throw away nearly 400 pounds of waste per person every year (EPA). One way to improve our lifestyle is by recycling more and buying recycled products whenever possible. Recycling improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by preventing waste from getting into the air or being buried in landfills. In addition, recycling reduces the pollutants caused by manufacturing.