HowExpert Guide to Recycling

Summary

- Single-use plastics are a big money-maker for the fossil fuel industry.

- They created the triangle symbol to make us think plastics will recycle, even though that can’t easily be done.

- Manufacturers choose not to invest in recycled packaging and materials.

- Virgin materials mined from Earth are cheaper and often subsidized.

- Technology exists to eliminate most of the greenhouse gas emissions they cause.

- It’s time to fight for the truth and take matters into our own hands. What we buy and how it’s made affects how well “reduce, reuse, and recycle” works. Using the power of our voices and wallets, we can make corporations change how they do business.

- They answer to us, the people who buy their products and invest in their stock.

- We can insist they take responsibility for the damage they cause. 

- We have the power to fight climate change at home and in our cities.

- I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to leave the health and well-being of my family in the hands of people who I hope will figure this mess out.

- We all need to change for the better of our planet and our lives.

- There are alternatives to buying disposable goods and packaging.

- Buy durable goods and reusable packaging to save money and the planet. 

- Reduce and reuse packaging. First, eliminate plastic shopping bags. 

- We can do things differently to change our eating and buying habits. 

About the Author

Jen Thilman has been a recycling and zero-waste volunteer for decades, which is how she learned that recycling doesn’t always work. She has spent years working in green energy technology and studies sustainable living while she strives for it in her own life. Jen completed training from the Climate Reality Project in June of 2022. 

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