What are the environmental costs of recycling?
I have heard that a lot of energy and material goes into recycling which makes it often actually reverse the effect…so much for environmental friendliness, right? Often things like plastics have to get shipped across the world to be properly recycled. I suspect that a lot of recycling programs are in place mostly because it helps politicians maintain the “I care” masquerade, as well as help ordinary people feel better about their consumerism and wasteful habits…As for the actual comparison for cost vs benefits, I think it depends on where you live, the material being recycled, and, of course, the process. Personally I prefer the “reduce” and “reuse” R’s (have you ever noticed the order of them? That should be the order of preference/execution if you ask me!). First off, cut back your waste (that means just plain buy less stuff too)! Then, do your own recycling! I make my own paper and reuse stuff in art projects and for anything I can think of around the house! Compost is great for
