For a long time, people used natural resources such as trees, water, coal, oil and land as if they would never run out. However, as the world's population grew, people started to realize that the world would run out of these resources unless something was done about it.
Recycling is one way that people can help conserve, or save, our natural resources.
Recycling is breaking down and reusing materials instead of throwing them away. When people recycle things such as paper, metal, glass or plastic, new products can be made from the recycled material instead of using more natural resources. Recycling also cuts down the amount of waste we create. Waste is anything that we throw away. If waste from our homes and businesses is not recycled, it is taken to a landfill, a place where trash is buried.