History of Recycling
Recycling is not a recent discovery, but has actually been around for thousands of years. Like many things, it is evicted by supply and demand. In times of war objects made from metals, like jewellery and coins were recycled into weapons.
There is archaeological evidence that suggests that people have been recycling since 400BC. It is thought that during Byzantine times people in Sagalassos, Turkey recycled glass and Romans recycled bronze coins into statues. "Prior to the industrial revolution recycling and general household re-using was actually a commonplace practise" (All recycling facts 2009) It was cheaper for people to recycle what they had rather than purchase new products. For Example, ash from fireplaces were used in brick making.
In the Industrial revolution the rate of people recycling slowed down because buying something new was easier and cheaper. But during World War One many materials were needed for the war so recycling greatly improved.
After the WWII ended the rate of recycling was influenced around the world by the local economy. Countries that had limited natural recourses (like Japan) continued with their recycling plans. Unfortunately countries like the USA soon forgot their recycling programs.
In 1815 the first paper mill in Australia to use recycled paper was opened.
In 1940-1959 landfill became a popular way to dispose of rubbish and recycling decreased. But in 1960-1969 the public's environmental awareness and conscience increased and recycling greatly improved. In 1970 drop off recycling centres were a normal practise.
In the late 1960s art student Gary Anderson designed the recycling symbol for a local newspaper. He had been studying the mobius strip and used it in his design. His recycling triangle is now globally recognised as the reduce, reuse, recycle emblem.
In the late 1980s Rose Rowan started the first kerbside collection service for recyclables.
But the greatest recycler of all was and still is, Mother Nature. "If not for her wonderful magic in the composting process, we would all be covered in leaves and other dead organic matter!" (All Recycling Facts 2009)
There is archaeological evidence that suggests that people have been recycling since 400BC. It is thought that during Byzantine times people in Sagalassos, Turkey recycled glass and Romans recycled bronze coins into statues. "Prior to the industrial revolution recycling and general household re-using was actually a commonplace practise" (All recycling facts 2009) It was cheaper for people to recycle what they had rather than purchase new products. For Example, ash from fireplaces were used in brick making.
In the Industrial revolution the rate of people recycling slowed down because buying something new was easier and cheaper. But during World War One many materials were needed for the war so recycling greatly improved.
After the WWII ended the rate of recycling was influenced around the world by the local economy. Countries that had limited natural recourses (like Japan) continued with their recycling plans. Unfortunately countries like the USA soon forgot their recycling programs.
In 1815 the first paper mill in Australia to use recycled paper was opened.
In 1940-1959 landfill became a popular way to dispose of rubbish and recycling decreased. But in 1960-1969 the public's environmental awareness and conscience increased and recycling greatly improved. In 1970 drop off recycling centres were a normal practise.
In the late 1960s art student Gary Anderson designed the recycling symbol for a local newspaper. He had been studying the mobius strip and used it in his design. His recycling triangle is now globally recognised as the reduce, reuse, recycle emblem.
In the late 1980s Rose Rowan started the first kerbside collection service for recyclables.
But the greatest recycler of all was and still is, Mother Nature. "If not for her wonderful magic in the composting process, we would all be covered in leaves and other dead organic matter!" (All Recycling Facts 2009)