Dear Editor:
Recycling is a big pain. There is no denying that sorting out the garbage we create into recyclable plastic, glass, tin cans, and paper is not as easy as collectively tossing it all into the kitchen garbage then putting two, three, four or more bags out for the town to collect on garbage day. Why should I bother to recycle, — after all, I don’t create that much waste and there are others who will make up for what I don’t do, — right? Wrong!
Like many others, I once refused to recycle. I knew it was wrong not to do it, I knew the town had a convenient recycling centre, but I would manufacture any number of reasons to not join in. Then, after spending the better part of a day shopping and bringing my purchases home, I realized the vast majority of what I had bought was packaged in plastic. Not only that, but I realized separating the products from their double- and sometimes triple-covered plastic encasements took a considerable amount of time on my part to accomplish. When I was done, the pile of plastic coverings and containers exceeded the products themselves. I said to myself, “What a waste.” It was then that I became a recycler.
Sure, it involves more work, and it certainly requires more space, as you find yourself separating recyclables. However, you will be amazed at what you, as one individual, can prevent from being sent to a landfill and, in the case of plastics and glass, remain intact for thousands of years. You will be amazed when your “garbage” decreases, as mine has, to less than one-third of a bag a week. And you have no idea how great it feels not to be someone who is trashing the planet any longer. From three or four bags of garbage a week to less than one third of a bag, — yes it’s a pain but it is well worth it and it is proof that one person can make a difference.
Now for the rest of you non-recyclers.
Paul Eberth