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Proper sorting and disposal is one challenge. But a larger challenge is that a substantial amount of plastic, even those items we diligently place in recycling
by patrickhogan1 3y ago
Proper sorting and disposal is one challenge. But a larger challenge is that a substantial amount of plastic, even those items we diligently place in recycling bins, are ultimately funneling into landfills, because it isn't cost-effective to reprocess. [1]
[1] https://www.npr.org/2022/10/24/1131131088/recycling-plastic-is-practically-impossible-and-the-problem-is-getting-worse https://www.npr.org/2022/10/24/1131131088/recycling-plastic-...
- Paul-Craft 3y agoBingo. Not to mention the distinct lack of focus on reuse or reducing use of plastics in the first place. And, let's not forget, the whole recycling thing was basically a corporate scam in the 1970s to push the blame for waste generated by their packaging onto consumers. [1] --- [1]: https://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/the-passionate-eye/recycling-was-a-lie-a-big-lie-to-sell-more-plastic-industry-experts-say-1.5735618 https://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/the-passionate-eye/recyclin...
- ZeroGravitas 3y agoAmericans have been culturally conditioned to be unable to understand the concept of an economic externality. You might as well tell them that their god isn't omnipotent, because you almost literally are.
- musicale 3y agoRecycling currently seems to codify externalities by making governments and citizens legally responsible for the pollution and waste that companies generate and encourage. But return laws can be problematic as well, as in electronics where a company's business incentives are usually for the cheapest (and often least beneficial/most harmful) disposal.