I know firsthand about the dangers of how not recycling can destroy the wealfare of both a nation and its citizens. In Haiti, I know that not recycling contributes considerably to the levels of air pollution that continuously plague the nation and puts people at a higher risk of developing and triggering respiratory illnesses ranging from asthma to lung cancer and heart disease. Moreover, because of the lack of resources and, frankly, (I'd like to believe) the apathy of the disastrous, greedy government, there are no concrete laws and programs established to reduce air pollution through the means of recycling. That said, my eagerness for the cause is also attributed to my mom, who instilled the importance of recycling in me and my brother. Like me, living in Haiti and knowing the disastrous effect not recycling does makes her appreciate the U.S. enforcing the importance of recycling.
I am genuinely baffled when, throughout the day, I notice that people are more likely to throw objects that can be recycled in the trash. It's as if the option of recycling didn't exist in this country. Do they not understand how lucky they are to have that option? Or is it just apathy, and thinking that our natural resources being depleted is a myth? And air pollution isn't a thing? That greenhouse gas emission isn't harmful to earth? I understand that seeing is believing, but there is an extent to how far that mentality can go. All of our actions reflect on each other, and I don't want my family and future generations to pay the price of someone not recycling. Every bit of care towards our environment makes a difference.
So if, you didn't already know what kind of materials you can recycle, there is a list available for you right here, and in the meantime here is the short list of the things you interact with often in your everyday life:
Cooking Oil:
Electronics:
Food:
Metals:
Motor Oil:
