Recycling is one of the best ways to make a positive impact on the world we live in. It’s important not only for the environment but also for ourselves.
The amount of waste we produce is growing rapidly, so it's crucial to act fast. Waste on Earth is increasing because people today have much greater financial capabilities than before, leading to more consumption and more trash. On top of that, modern industries are massive, flooding us with new and tempting products. A growing population means more people creating waste. The technological boom and the creation of modern packaging use materials that are not biodegradable.
One of the Earth’s biggest problems is plastic bags, which can also be recycled. Did you know that 1 trillion plastic bags are produced worldwide every year? The bags made today will decompose in the year 3012. Can you imagine something still existing 1,000 years from now?
Earth Day with The Art of Living
Due to plastic bags, 90% of which end up in the ocean, over 100,000 marine animals die each year. More than 30,000 pieces of plastic waste are found in every square kilometer of the ocean. 16 billion liters of oil are used annually just to produce plastic bags.
To mark International Mother Earth Day, we at The Art of Living invite you to join us in cleaning up the Student City area and offer you 5 reasons why people don’t recycle vs. 5 reasons why we should. Which side will you choose?
5 Excuses Why People Don’t Recycle
1. Recycling is inconvenient
This seems to be the number one reason—people simply don’t want to make the effort. Some areas don’t have recycling collection, and others say it’s just too much trouble. But is that really a good reason?
Actually, if you change your habit of throwing out large amounts of trash and instead dispose of smaller amounts more frequently, you'll make a real difference. Less trash, more often = less pollution.
2. I don’t have enough space in my home to recycle
Lack of space is a common issue. It might seem difficult to sort waste in small containers. But you can just divide your existing bin and not change anything else at home. All you need to change is your mindset about Earth and the fact that your actions matter.
3. I’ll recycle if I get paid
Some countries fine people who don’t recycle. Others reward recycling with small payments, especially for bottles. But many areas offer no fines or incentives. Is that a good reason not to recycle? Isn’t it time we stopped being motivated solely by money? Without Mother Earth, none of us would have jobs, income, or things to buy. Why not give a little back?
4. Recycling doesn’t make a difference
Lack of awareness about landfills, depleted resources, and climate change makes some believe recycling doesn’t matter. They think there’s no real problem. But is that really true?
5. Recycling is too complicated
There are many types of recycling—bottles, plastic, paper—so it can be confusing. Why not make your own labels for your recycling bins?
This simple color guide can help you sort your trash. Stick it above your bin and make recycling easy for the whole household.
5 Reasons Why We Should Recycle
1. Recycling saves energy
Recycling saves energy because manufacturers don’t need to produce goods from raw materials. Using recycled materials reduces energy consumption and lowers production costs.
Here are 3 products made from recycled materials:
Bags – Amazingly, the brand Keen’s Harvest makes handbags from… recycled car airbags! The airbags are sourced from recyclers in Salt Lake City, then cut and sewn by hand in California—each bag signed by its maker.
Bicycles – Bikes made from recycled aluminum are produced in Oregon, USA. Seats are made of refurbished cork, and belts replace chains to minimize maintenance. The company hopes to make fully recycled motorcycles in the future.
Toys – This adorable retro toy car is made entirely from recycled milk jugs. Even the packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable.
Every time you recycle, you're making a real difference.
2. Recycling reduces landfill use
Recycling cuts down on the need for landfills. No one wants to live near one, right? In fact, what causes the terrible smell is mostly food waste. Given that millions go hungry around the world, throwing away food is a tragedy. Yet we do it all the time.
The solution for busy people who come home late is composting. Composting is nature’s way of recycling organic waste. The result is a nutrient-rich compost that’s excellent for your plants.
Anyone can compost—no electricity, no maintenance costs, and it’s good for you and the planet. A very good reason to start recycling.
3. Recycling conserves resources and protects wildlife
Recycling reduces the need to destroy wildlife habitats. Recycling paper alone saves millions of trees—trees that purify the air we breathe. Isn’t that reason enough?
4. Recycling supports the economy
Recycling and buying recycled products boost demand for more sustainable goods. These products use less water, create less pollution, and consume less energy.
5. Recycling helps combat climate change
Recycling produces far less carbon emissions and reduces harmful greenhouse gases.
Experts believe the main cause of global warming over the last 150 years is the rise in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), largely due to deforestation. Recycling paper reduces deforestation, and less deforestation means fewer emissions. That’s a strong reason to recycle.
