by Lizzy Hermosilla ‘23

In 2018 the United States produced 300 million tons of waste and according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) only 69 million tons of that waste was effectively recycled. A 2020 report done by The Recycling Project (TRP) found that only half of Americans have access to curbside recycling, and many that do, do not fully participate. Within the things being recycled one in every four items is not recyclable which effectively contaminates that “batch” of recycling. Recycling has become a massive “feel good” movement in regards to climate change. The effectiveness of recycling is undermined by the practice of “wish-cycling.” This idea of “wish-cycling” causes recycling contamination numbers to sky rocket, and allows for companies to make “recyclable” products without verifying if that material is in fact recyclable.

Recycling is arguably the least effective way to prevent climate change, yet schools and businesses alike still promote and preach its effectiveness. The “Three R’s” is a staple in education which sums up the idea of waste reduction by reducing consumption, reusing products, and recycling. The emphasis shown on the final “R,” recycling, is disproportionate to its environmental effectiveness. Instead of preaching recycling as a means to effectively combat the climate crisis schools should teach the value of minimalism, shopping second-hand and shopping sustainably.