Recycling Can Be Worth It If We Focus Efforts ✓ Solved

Recycling Can Be Worth It If We Focus Efforts

For decades, people have expressed concern about the environment and how human activity may impact it in a negative way. Conservation efforts have included global concerns about production waste, water pollution, and endangered species. Because the scope of human activity has an array of negative effects, many people feel somewhat powerless to affect any kind of real change. As a result, ecologists and activists have attempted to educate the public about ways that every individual might make small changes that will begin to alleviate long-term effects.

One of these methods is household recycling. Recently, however, some people have begun to question the efficacy of recycling as a means for alleviating landfill waste.

The Controversy

An on-going concern is that recycling is not the solution that the U.S. government thought it would be in the 1980s. While many people do not disagree that recycling is a good idea, there is little to incentivize people to recycle. Further, some people even question whether recycling bottles is better for the environment because of the sheer amount of energy resources used in the production of recycled bottles that still cause waste.

There is increasing concern about unsustainable resources and whether or not the human race can afford not to recycle.

Pro Side of the Controversy

While there are imperfections in the recycling process, those in favor of recycling contend that investing in the process is worth it because of the positive impacts to the environment. According to the Aluminum Association (as cited in Moss & Scheer, 2015), aluminum cans are the most recycled material, which is good because recycling these cans saves aluminum and only uses 8% of the energy to make a new can. Recycling prevents the release of dangerous carbon dioxide. According to Moss and Scheer (2015), who interviewed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2013, recycling and composting saved nearly 186 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere. Szaky (2015) argues that those against recycling fail to account for the current impacts of failing to recycle. For example, a new study by the 5 Gyres Institute indicates that there are more than five trillion pieces of plastic floating on the surface of the world’s oceans, which is roughly the weight of 134,500 average U.S. cars (Elks & Hower, 2014).

Con Side of the Controversy

Those who question recycling do so on the basis of effectiveness and convenience. Hutchinson (2008) contends that while a plastic water bottle might last in a landfill for centuries, the petroleum reused is barely worth the diesel fuel burned by the large trucks sent to collect the bottles. While recycling aluminum is worth the energy, recycling glass uses 21% less energy (Hutchinson, 2008). There are further concerns about looking at recycling as part of a larger picture. For example, Chris Goodall calculates that “if you wash plastic in water that was heated by coal-derived electricity, then the net effect of your recycling could be more carbon in the atmosphere” (as cited in Tierney, 2015). While some cities are attempting to convert to a “zero trash” policy within the next 15 to 20 years, there is no guarantee that these expensive measures will have any positive impacts on the environment; in fact, many speculate that the benefits are few (Tierney, 2015).

Tentative Thesis Statement

Recycling efforts should continue because materials that are recycled are often unsustainable; there should be a more focused effort to recycle materials that have a reproduction-cost benefit.

Addressing the Recycling Controversy

In recent years, the narrative surrounding recycling has started to shift, as more people become aware of the challenges and inefficiencies of the existing systems. Many industries argue for improved methods of waste management rather than simply increasing recycling efforts without addressing fundamental issues. Despite the arguments against recycling's effectiveness, it remains a critical element of waste management strategies designed to protect precious natural resources and curb environmental degradation.

One of the most significant arguments in favor of recycling is the reduction of raw material extraction and energy consumption. The process of producing new materials often results in excessive pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which are mitigated through recycling. For instance, recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy compared to producing new aluminum from bauxite ore, making it a highly efficient recycling process (Hutchinson, 2008).

Moreover, recycling helps reduce waste in landfills, which are increasingly becoming a problem for urban areas. As landfill space becomes limited, recycling diverts waste from these facilities, extending their operational life and minimizing health and environmental hazards associated with waste decomposition and leakage.

Innovations in Recycling Technology

Advancements in recycling technology present unprecedented opportunities to improve the efficacy of recycling efforts. Investments in innovative sorting technologies can boost the efficiency of recycling facilities and create a more streamlined process, ensuring that more materials are correctly sorted for recycling rather than ending up in landfills. Emerging technologies, such as robotics and AI, can significantly optimize sorting processes and reduce contamination rates (Szaky, 2015).

Additionally, developing closed-loop recycling systems where materials are continuously reused can significantly enhance sustainability. Companies are beginning to embrace circular economy models that minimize material waste by reincorporating waste into production cycles. This transformative approach emphasizes sustainability through responsible material usage, mitigating the impacts of resource depletion and pollution (Elks, 2014).

Community Engagement and Education

For recycling initiatives to be successful, increasing community engagement and public education is essential. Awareness campaigns can help individuals understand the importance of recycling and its positive impact on the environment, motivating them to participate actively in sustainability efforts. Schools and community organizations can play a pivotal role in instilling recycling habits from an early age, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship (Moss & Scheer, 2015).

Moreover, incentivizing recycling through deposit-return schemes or reward programs can motivate individuals to take part in recycling initiatives. By providing financial incentives or recognition for active participants, communities can enhance recycling rates and cultivate a deeper commitment to sustainable practices.

Conclusion

While the controversy surrounding recycling remains, the benefits it offers to both the environment and society cannot be overlooked. It is essential to acknowledge the challenges while implementing strategies that enhance recycling efficiency, community involvement, and innovative technology. A comprehensive approach to recycling — one that emphasizes sustainability, education, and technological innovation — can forge a significant path toward an environmentally conscious future. Through concerted efforts, recycling can indeed be a valuable resource in protecting our planet from the adverse effects of waste and promoting a more sustainable way of life.

References

  • Elks, J. (2014, December 18). Reports find over 5 trillion pieces of plastic floating in the world’s oceans…and 10,000 times more in the deep sea.

  • Hutchinson, A. (2008, November 13). Is recycling worth it? PM investigates its economic and environmental impact. Popular Mechanics.

  • Moss, D., & Scheer, R. (2015, November 5). Is recycling worth it? Scientific American.

  • Szaky, T. (2015, October 13). 7 reasons why recycling is not a waste: A response to “The Reign of Recycling.” Sustainable Brands.

  • Tierney, J. (2015, October 3). The reign of recycling. The New York Times.