Enough With the Trash Talk: Is Recycling Really the Answer?

With only a 34% recycling rate, the United States' recycling efforts are almost laughable when compared to countries like Germany, which recycle 65% of all their waste.  Since a country's ability to efficiently recycle is enabled or inhibited by its economic, social, and political opportunities. This means it is important to contextualize a country (or individual's) circumstances before casting judgment. 

That being said, it might also be useful to see what countries with the highest recycling rates are doing right.  What appears to be happening, is that countries, like Germany, are emphasizing other forms of sustainability above recycling. 

Image by Jordan Johnson

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to dissuade anyone from their recycling efforts. Recycling is a necessary part of sustainable living. It should not, however, be seen as the main focus or priority of sustainability. 

Enough With the Trash Talk: Here's What No One Told You About Recycling

Image by epSos.de

There is nothing I used to hate more than approaching a trash can and seeing a recycling bin next to it. I'd usually stop before the two bins and look at the trash in my hands. Is this recyclable? Two weeks ago it was a styrofoam cup I had been drinking coffee out of. I knew styrofoam wasn't biodegradable so I threw it in the recycling bin.

There are two problems with what I did.