Is Recycling a Perfect Example of Greenwashing?

Don't we feel good when we place our plastic in a recycling bin? Or when we donate our old clothes to retail shops, believing they will begiven to those in need? Or when we upgrade our electronics and return them to the company or a recycling center who tells us they recycle them. But the real question is: Do they? The short answer is: NO! It either ends up in our landfill because it cannot be recycled, or, more commonly, it is shipped overseas to be only to end up on the shores of countries with no ability to dispose of it all.

Sure, in theory, certain materials can be recycled, such as glass and clean cardboard. Glass can be melted down and transformed into new glass products. Some cardboard can also be repurposed, although the process often involves heavy, non-environmentally friendly methods. Metal is a fantastic product that can be melted down and reshaped into new items. However, plastic presents a different challenge; the majority of plastic is not recyclable and is typically discarded ultimately ending up in landfills. Clothing donations often result in excess inventory for developing countries, leading to the unfortunate practice of burning these garments or, more commonly, discarding them on beaches for disposal.

We are taught to cook in plastic: consider all the microwave-ready meals we buy. Crockpots have plastic liners for easy cleanup. We order takeout in plastic containers designed for disposal. Many people use plastic plates and other disposable dishware and serving ware. Disposable utensils, plastic bags, Starbucks cups, plastic storage containers, yogurt containers, and plastic wrap are all tossed into recycle bins because we are told that plastic is recyclable. However, most of these items cannot be recycled, as the United States has no way to process most types of plastic, contrary to popular belief.

Americans are losing their plastic bags at the grocery store for a "greener" shopping experience; however, we buy Hefty trash bags for our garbage, doggy bags for cleaning up after our pets during walks, and sandwich bags for kids' school lunches. ALL ultimately wind up in the landfill.

Corporations frequently claim to have a "green plan" aimed at reducing waste; however, behind closed doors, they really don't put a dent into the environmental crisis they contribute to. We often see, "this bottle is recyclable" or "environmentally friendly" stamped across the product. Soda companies urge consumers to recycle their bottles but continue to pressure us to buy more sodas.

The solution to this problem is quite simple: reduce your plastic consumption. It may sound nearly impossible but, as Marty McFly says, "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything."

1. The simplest solution is to stop using single-use items immediately, or at least, drastically cut back on your usage. This includes plastic sandwich bags, plastic utensils and plastic plates for daily use. All of these can be easily replaced with reusable alternatives. For example, instead of using a plastic bag for your sandwich, opt for a reusable container that can last for a year or more. Simply bring it home, wash it, and voilà! It's ready to use again. Consider buying chips in bulk and portioning them into a reusable container. Not only is it more economical to buy a product in bulk rather than in individual bags, but you also get more chips by serving yourself!

   
   

2. Stop the trend of purchasing plastic containers to transfer food from one plastic container to another. This practice may seem appealing, as the plastic containers lined up in your pantry can be visually pleasing, but it is unnecessary. Cereal can remain in its original cardboard box, pasta can stay in its original plastic or cardboard packaging, and sugar and flour can be stored in ceramic containers instead of plastic .By making these simple changes, you can save money by avoiding the pretty plastic containers!

   
   

3. Reuse the plastic bags you receive! Seriously. All those plastic bags you accumulate—empty chip bags, produce bags, grocery bags, and even the plastic bags from toilet paper—can all be reused for lining your trash cans, picking up doggy messes and scooping litter boxes! I use produce bags for baked goods, leftover pizza, and other food storage, and smaller grocery bags to line bathroom trash cans. The large toilet paper bags are typically used for my donation bags or as liners for my office trash can. Any non-standard plastic bags I obtain from retail stores are used for donation collections throughout the year or for other miscellaneous purposes are kept neatly in my closet. I haven't purchased a box of Hefty bags in probably 20 years. I use plastic grocery bags as liners for my kitchen trash which fits under my sink (yes, my trash can is that small!).

   
   

4. Look for products that are more environmentally friendly whenever possible. While this isn't always feasible, occasionally a product will come on the market that is packaged in a more recyclable container. I recently discovered a new dish soap that comes in an aluminum bottle—100%recyclable and completely plastic-free! Although it costs about 50 cents more than other brands, I believe it's worth it. I also try to buy items packaged in cardboard rather than plastic.