Overview
In the United States the average American generates about 4.5 pounds of garbage each day. (From latest 2017 numbers (Links to an external site.)) While many citizens use recycling bins regularly, not all of that waste gets recycled.
What to do: Read the article and respond to the questions.
Objectives
Consider the challenges with recycling
Think about practical steps that can make a difference
Directions
Begin by reading this blog from Columbia University’s Earth Institutehttps://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials#NationalPicture. After reading, answer the questions below.
[Question 1] In 2018 China banned the import of most plastics and other materials that were not up to standards. What effect did this have on recycling in the United States and other countries?
[Question 2] In the United States there is not a federal recycling program. What challenges in recycling arise from not having a consistent program throughout the country? What is one major challenge to starting a national program? Why do you think this is a challenge?
[Question 3] This blog states that the key to fixing recycling in the US is developing the domestic market. What does that mean? And what could it look like if there were a domestic market?
[Question 4] In the section “best practices” and “strategies that work” What are three ideas that you think could work well if the US adopted it nationally? Why do you think each of these would work well on the national level?
[Question 5] Under the “what you can do” section, what are two things you are not doing that you could begin doing? Do these seem easily doable for you in your daily life? Why or Why not?
https://earth911.com/recycling-center-search-guides/?utm_source=earth911-header
