Biology Regents Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of recycling?

1. Using a paper cup instead of a mug

2. Turning off the lights when leaving a room

3. Using plastic from a soda bottle to make clothing

4. Using two paper towels instead of five

The correct answer is: Using plastic from a soda bottle to make clothing

The choice involving using plastic from a soda bottle to make clothing is an example of recycling as it illustrates the process of converting waste materials into new products. This process involves collecting materials that would otherwise be thrown away, processing them, and transforming them into new items that serve a useful purpose. In this case, the plastic that has served its initial purpose as a bottle is repurposed and given a new life in the form of clothing. In contrast, the other options depict actions that are more aligned with conservation or reduction rather than recycling. Using a paper cup instead of a mug doesn't involve the reuse of materials, but rather a change in choice for a similar single-use item. Turning off the lights when leaving a room is a way to save energy and reduce consumption, but it does not pertain to recycling materials. Lastly, using two paper towels instead of five is a means of reducing waste, but it doesn't involve processing or repurposing waste materials. Thus, the only choice that clearly embodies the concept of recycling is the one about transforming plastic from soda bottles into clothing.