Moral Essay: The Importance Of Recycling

Ever since plastic was introduced in the early 20th century, the lands of America have been accumulating massive amounts of garbage. But where does it all end up? While reading Garbology, I was astounded by how much the average person wastes on a daily basis, how much ends up in landfills per year, and how very few people are taking the extra step to make a difference.

The amount of waste the average person produces on a daily basis is staggeringly high at 7.1 pounds. I have noticed that there are rarely ever recycling bins next to the trash bins at gas stations, therefore people could not recycle even if they wanted to. Whenever people go on road trips and are emptying out the trash that has been accumulating in their car, there is no way

Recycling should be a well-known phenomenon by now, right? In my community, homeowners are given a recycling bin and it is surprising to me how few actually take advantage of it. As I am driving down the street in my neighborhood, I often times see more trash bins than recycling bins on trash pick up day. I am appalled at the fact that many people fail to recycle and instead throw away items in garbage bins. One solution to this issue could be for Americans to become more aware of what they are buying and be sure not to buy goods they will not use or consume. "Average household credit card debt topped the landmark of $10,000 in 2006." (69) Most goods that were bought that year were thrown away just a few years later, which is a horrific statement. By purchasing only goods that are needed and paying closer attention to recycling, the landfills that cover America could be greatly reduced. Most individuals are not aware of what happens to their garbage, or they simply do not care where it ends up. I will admit that even I do not give much thought as to where my garbage ends up, but I do my best to recycle, as well as most of my friends and family. A large quantity of the garbage thrown into landfills escapes and ends up in oceans— especially plastic bags—but it could also be pieces of plastic, glass, and so