Recycling is broken. The majority of our recycling was being shipped to China, and there it was likely to end up in a landfill anyway. Now, China is no longer accepting recyclables from the United States or Europe.
So what does this mean? It means that the items you place in a recycling bin are ending up in landfills anyway, but now they are in local landfills rather than in landfills across the ocean. Plastic is the biggest culprit, with only 9% of plastics actually being recycled. From there, many plastics break down into microplastics which are extremely harmful to humans and animals.
Recognizing the issues with recycling makes it possible to make alternative changes in your life which can actually make a difference. The most important thing you can do is ditch single use items, such as bottled beverages, take out containers, and cups and straws. You can do this by using reusable items. Many companies even offer discounts for bringing your own reusable cups. Take out containers are more complicated, but in general reducing your take out consumption is better for your health and your wallet. Some companies offer alternatives such as compostable containers.
Making more informed decisions is the only way to reduce the already enormous waste problem that exists in this country. Considering alternatives for the single use disposable items we use every single day is the only way to reduce the pollution created from the plastic problem.
https://www.greenmatters.com/p/what-percent-recycling-actually-gets-recycled
Comments