Recycling is tough. It takes extra effort and time that not a lot of us have to spare.
Research into recycling is complicated and confusing. Most studies support that recycling takes a lot of energy and money to revert materials. Everyone has a different opinion, (some based in science, others not). I'll give you mine, and you are welcome to make yours. The best strategy, is to look at all the angles, be open minded, and do your research.
My opinion:
Different sources, such as the Department of Environmental Protection, the FDA, Green Peace, the Sierra Club and the Department of Natural Resources as well as many notable MIT publications of 2010 have resolved that recycling is more environmentally responsible practice in terms of both land fill space, energy consumption and carbon offsets.
However, I do acknowledge that counter information does exist which also states that recycling some products takes more raw energy than mining and producing a new product.
Here is my opinion, which I hope will be considered----
Energy consumption aside, space is space and we only have so much of it. Landfills in America have had success with landfill regulations that once filled are turned into parks. This practice has been wildly successful and variably environmentally stable. However, these landfills are very costly to build and to maintain, making them not an option for developing countries or lower income American populations. Most commonly, when American trash cannot be placed in a controlled landfill, it is sold to India or Northern China as revenue for those countries and disposed of in giant heaps on any available piece of lower income land. This irresponsible practice falls under the delusion of "don't ask don't tell" mentalities, and reeks havoc on the delicate eco-systems of developing nations. Additionally, the energy/ money needed to maintain the American landfills outweighs the energy spent on recycling products that do not make there way there in the first place. Secondly, we have the issue that if a bottle is not recycled and a new one produced, then there is the exponential issue of two bottles, to four bottles, ect.
Secondly, technology and scientific invention is largely sustained by grants and fellowships. In order for there to be continued development in the field of recycling and alternative energy the scientists and lobby groups must partition for money. These groups must prove an interest and need for the funding which can only be provided by the actions of the community.
As the call for technology rises, the developments will become more efficient and affordable.
Finally, politicians follow the practices of the community in order to gain favor in elections. When the community demands action through repeated practices it forces law makers to adjust policies and subsidize recycling efforts. See blue bin initiatives in Chicago link.
Simple Tips to Make Recycling Easier:
- Keep a recycling bin in the kitchen and at your desk- make recycling simple and convenient for yourself
- Put reminders on your calendar to take recycling back every week or so
- Keep a little bag in your car to put packaging you would otherwise through out
- Hand packaging back to businesses--- it sends a message that the excessive packaging is not wanted
- Cary a small, folding bag with you so you have somewhere to carry things when you do shopping and are caught without a bag
- Encourage those in your community and friends to recycle, spread the word
- Make a schedule and know where your nearest drop off point is, or sign up for the Blue Bin program in your neighborhood
For us Chicago dwellers, check out the recycling centers close
Blue Cart & Recycling Drop-off Center Recycling: Accepted Materials
Materials that are accepted in the Chicago Blue Cart Program & Recycling Drop-off Centers:
- Glass jars and bottles
- Aluminum cans, foil and pie tins
- Tin or Steel cans
- Cereal boxes, paper towel rolls
- Cardboard (flatten all boxes)
- Plastic bottles and containers (# 1-5, 7 accepted)
- Junk mail, magazines and catalogs
- Telephone books
- Paper bags
- Office paper and file folders
- Newspaper and inserts
- Beverage cartons (milk, juice, soy cartons)
- Beverage carrier stock: plastic rings and cardboard carrying cases
- wrapping paper (no bows or ribbons, please)
- paper greeting cards
Materials that
are NOT accepted in the Blue Cart Program & Recycling Drop-off Centers and should be donated if reusable:
- Clothes and linens
- Plastic or metal hangers
- #6 Plastics (polystyrene or Styrofoam)
- Diapers or feminine products
- Construction debris (bricks, wood, cement, etc.)
- Paint or spray paint
- Unnumbered plastics (toothbrushes, toys, hoses, cereal box liners, etc.)
- Loose plastic shopping bags (bring those back to retailers for recycling)
- Hard, reusable plastic bottles (like Nalgene or baby bottles)
To find an outlet for materials not accepted in the Blue Cart program, visit
www.earth911.com to use their recycling finder.
Other issues to check out on the City of Chicago website:
