When it comes to our environment and the future health of our
planet. One of the most impactful solutions is the standardization of recycling
in the United States. If you look at other countries like Germany and South
Korea, these countries have strict recycling practices that have been
successfully implemented for many years. In Germany residents are expected to
separate waste by type. For example, glass, metal, paper, and biodegradables
are sorted into different bins.
The Subject of recycling in the united states interest me
because as a Portlander, I am strongly influenced by many health and
environmentally conscious people. Due to global warming and the ever changing
need of the population, I feel recycling is one the most basic ways to minimize
the effects of waste and pollutants in the environment. Currently our recycling
standards are far behind those of many countries. These countries manage
successful recycling programs due to the fact that they are government
subsidized… Meaning, citizens are required by law to properly recycle their
waste. The problem in the US is that recycling is an option, not a requirement,
and it come at a cost many would not be able to afford. In Portland for example
recycling can cost upwards of $30 a month. More people would be willing to
incorporate recycling into their everyday lives if it was not only required by
law, but costs were alsocovered by the government.
In week six we covered the topic: Managing Urban Waste. This
is relevant to the class in that the declining state of the envirment has been
one of the most discussed issues in recent years. With the many negative
effects caused by even minor climate changes, environmental preservation has
never been more important. If we want to make a contribution to the future health
of our planet, we must follow the examples of the countries currently excelling
in waste management.