To Recycle or Not To Recycle: Why So Complicated?
Every year tons and tons of trash are dumped to fill landfill lots and include everything from containers and recyclable paper to reusable items that can be donated. Learn how you can help to end this polluting painful cycle and save the environment while you still can!
Have you ever seen photos taken of the earth from far away? Yes, Planet Earth is a jewel, and even up close its magnificence is breathtaking if you’re looking at all the mountains, hillsides, and islands. But have you ever seen the parts that nobody talks about?
When my mom would take me on outings, we often came across what’s known as a landfill. A landfill is a plot of land where tons of garbage is dumped everyday. A landfill is neither a pretty site, nor a sweet-smelling one. When I would ask my mom what it is we passed and why it’s there, she’d respond with, oh, that’s just a landfill. That’s where all the trash is dumped, but it doesn’t matter. Well, it does matter, and there is nothing positive about it!
There are three levels of environmental awareness. The 1st is what’s known as an eco-warrior. This person reduces waste and consumption, reuses everything, and recycles. This person also educates others. It is unfortunate that more people don’t assume this role. The 2nd is one who is ignorant and uninformed. This person needs to be educated about the importance of recycling and environmental responsibility. The 3rd is one who is informed and aware of the problem, but does nothing.
The 3 R’s Concept. The 1st is reduction. This means reducing in every aspect; consumption, materialism, luxury, and more. The average (mainstream) person goes to the supermarket, eats out, buys ready-made food, and consistently has a need for new things. The end result is excessive consumerism. When something is no longer wanted or needed, 9 out of 10 times, the item is tossed in the garbage. This brings me to the 2nd R, Reuse. Most people are so caught up in their daily life, they don’t even think about this. The reuse concept is simple. When you shop for food, clothing, or personal items, don’t toss the bag or container. Reuse it for something else. This may sound weird, and people may look at you funny, but it may even create a conversation piece.
Some stores compensate you each time you reuse your own container. It may not sound like much, but over time it can accumulate. The best part is yours is one less bag to add to that full trash can. One of the many important reasons to keep most things out of the trash is that wind carries things and the plastic bag could wind up in the street or in a tree, hurting a wild creature. Many animals have been known to get strangled or try to eat plastic bags.
The 3rd R, Recycling. Recycling has been done for years. Many schools collect 1,000′s of newspapers, instead of tossing them. They are saving many trees and landfill space. Although recycling is practiced, especially in green-minded communities, I’m amazed at the rows of filled trashcans…