essential₂renewable resources

More than 80 percent of U.S. households now have access to recycling* programs. But that's just the beginning. Advances in chemistry are allowing recycled materials to be used in new and innovative ways. For example, a new type of lumber made out of recycled materials is an environmentally friendly and economical alternative to harvesting trees.

*Recycling does not exist in all areas. Check to see if there is a recycling facility in your community.

Did You Know

protection

The chemical industry makes products essential to national defense: polyaramid fibers make aircraft invisible to radar, cobal chloride purifies air in gas masks, and Nylon 6 makes parachutes and ropes.

Featured Articles

recycling

Learn to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle More Plastics

According to the EPA, the average American produces approximately 1,600 pounds of trash per year. To encourage consumers to adopt more eco-friendly habits, ACC recently asked Bob Lilienfeld, editor of the Use Less Stuff Report, for some simple how-to steps for waste reduction. » learn more

recycling

Recycling Polystyrene for Construction Materials

With today’s movement toward "green" or sustainable design practices, architects are considering not only the more obvious qualities of the materials they specify, but also the long-term environmental impact over a building’s life cycle. » learn more

alternatives

The Emergence of Industrial Biotechnology

Driven by soaring energy prices, renewed environmental concerns regarding climate change, forecasts of dwindling petroleum supplies, and escalating raw material costs as a consequence of global competition, "industrial biotechnology" is now being discussed with increased frequency as the future of the chemical manufacturing industry. » learn more

recycle

How to Recycle Electronic Devices

While only a small percentage of discarded computers are currently recycled in the U.S., increased environmental awareness and laws in many jurisdictions prohibiting the disposal of electronics in local landfills are helping give these devices a second life. » learn more

knowledge

Chlorine Chemistry: essential₂solar energy

For centuries, humans have taken advantage of the tremendous energy of the sun. Today’s solar energy panels convert sunlight directly into useful energy in the form of electricity. » learn more

» more featured articles