How many of those things are just unnecessary red-tape and bureaucracy, intended to justify spending on what is essentially jobs programs? I too remember the "s

How many of those things are just unnecessary red-tape and bureaucracy, intended to justify spending on what is essentially jobs programs? I too remember the "save the forests" campaigns back in middle school when alternative bags were recommended. Some politician and their office somewhere were getting an easy cushy job mandating those types of things and moving paper around to "save the forests." So I am skeptical when things are mandated and taxes collected for paper pushing, optimistic when companies are formed to earn contracts as rewards for the problems they solve. Book recommendation that can dispel cynicism about the future: Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker. Few years old at this point but still relevant and worth reading.