Do Americans recycle? Do YOU recycle?

I just watched a documentary about the consumption and waste of resources in America.

Personally I found it sickening that the US is one of the most developed countries in the world with a population of over 300 millions, and the lack of investment in equipment and education in these matter of recycling.

It left me wandering: Do americans recycle?

About 10 yrs ago in Portugal, it was rare to find a person that recycled. Mostly because the state didn't provide means to do it. But in recent years the amount of investement, publicity and public encouragement to do so, the percentage of resources that we recycle sky rocketed.

This is the case of many european countries.

So do you recycle? ANSWER!! :P

No, screw mother earth.

If there's a recycle bin next to the trash can, I'll use it. I won't carry my empty bottle or can around with me searching for a recycle bin, though. If I don't see a place to put it, it's going in the trash.

I recycle metal, soda cans, aluminum and batteries, so yes.

If there's a recycle bin next to the trash can, I'll use it. I won't carry my empty bottle or can around with me searching for a recycle bin, though. If I don't see a place to put it, it's going in the trash.

Oleg_Huzwog

same with me

I do.Engrish_Major

yop

Yes, mostly paper and the like.

You guys should do it, you'll earn money!:D

If there's a recycle bin next to the trash can, I'll use it. I won't carry my empty bottle or can around with me searching for a recycle bin, though. If I don't see a place to put it, it's going in the trash.

Oleg_Huzwog

We put newspapers and metal/plastic/glass out for recycling every week at my house. At college it's even easier since there's at least two bins (recyling/trash) everywhere.

[QUOTE="Engrish_Major"]I do.rawsavon

Yes the University makes it incredibly easy to do. Back at home however my family doesn't and it drives me crazy because they'll buy crates of water bottles from Costco drink half of it and throw it away :xPerfectCircles

[QUOTE="PerfectCircles"]Yes the University makes it incredibly easy to do. Back at home however my family doesn't and it drives me crazy because they'll buy crates of water bottles from Costco drink half of it and throw it away :xcaiadas25

When it is possible yes.

aluminum cans and plastic bags.

also I do what I can to not use paper when I can avoid it.

[QUOTE="rawsavon"][QUOTE="Engrish_Major"]I do.Engrish_Major

I don't. My belief is that I'm providing job security for a small robot after we flee earth.

Currently mostly aluminum, paper,and glass.

Yes. People really don't have an excuse not to.Bourbons3

Occasionally.... Penn and Teller pointed out a very important point.. That recycling things like paper is not a good thing.. A) The US plants more trees then it cuts down.. There are more trees in the US then there were in the 1920s.. B) Recycling paper has a toxic after product that has to be thrown out.. C) Landfills are safer then ever and they are eco friendly when properly done.. sSubZerOo

Good to know. No longer recycling paper.

Recycling some items is actually more wasteful than throwing them in the garbage.

I do whenever I can, but the people I know don't because it's inconvenient for them.

Recycling some items is actually more wasteful than throwing them in the garbage.

caje47

Occasionally.... Penn and Teller pointed out a very important point.. That recycling things like paper is not a good thing.. A) The US plants more trees then it cuts down.. There are more trees in the US then there were in the 1920s.. B) Recycling paper has a toxic after product that has to be thrown out.. C) Landfills are safer then ever and they are eco friendly when properly done.. sSubZerOo

Pfft. Recycling is for terrorists. :x

I've never seen a recycling bin in America.

Canada does, though! Woo! :)

yes i do

The problem with landfills is this. Imagine someone trowes a aluminium can into a landfill. You'll never see it again. If you recycle it, the aluminium in the can comes back to the market within 6 weeks. Cans are a great example because you can recycle aluminium countless times without is losing any properties. Remember, aluminium, oil, other metals and resources are not infinite.

caiadas25

I recycle everything that can be recycled. Good tip about the paper though.

I don't recycle.