[GreenYes] questions regarding raw vs. recycled aluminum

[ISEN/Laura Huth <isen@isenonline.org>]

Hi!
I am brand new to this list and hope that someone out there can help 
me with a question our organization has received from one of our 
members that I am unable to technically answer. Here it is:

"I have a question I'm hoping you can help me out with, or at least maybe
point me in the right direction.

A friend of mine stubbornly refuses to recycle his aluminum cans (although,
if someone takes it upon themselves to do so, he's fine with that).  He
says his reason is because somewhere he heard that the process of recycling
aluminum releases PCBs or dioxins or something into the water supply...
sorry for the vagueness there, but his recollection was not too specific.

No matter how I argue about the destructiveness and waste of mining virgin
iron ore, he sticks to his belief.

Where can I find more information on this, or are you very familiar with
the process of aluminum reprocessing?"

Can anyone out there provide me with a great argument to send to this 
fella? Does the aluminum recycling process create PCBs or dioxin? 
Does the raw process? Which creates more?

What about facts and figures on the impact that bauxite mining has, 
as well as any other materials needed to create alumimun, particulary 
for food and beverage containers?

More information on the raw bauxite/aluminum manufacturing process 
versus the recycled aluminum process would also be great.

Thanks for your help!

Laura Huth
executive director and founder
Illinois Student Environmental Network
Urbana, Illinois
-- 
Illinois Student Environmental Network
110 S. Race, Suite 202, Urbana, IL 61801
isen@isenonline.org
800-817-6999  or  217-384-0830
www.isenonline.org

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens
can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
                  - Margaret Mead
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