Common Myths
About Recycling

There are many myths about recycling. Below are a few and information that busts those myths.

It will be too difficult and disruptive to change my habits.

There may be a period of adjustment as you embark on turning bad habits into better ones, but difficult and disruptive hardly describe it. When you consider that changing habits and situations can occur a little at a time and over the course of many weeks you will realize that it is very manageable. You can start by making small and simple improvements and build on them. As new adjustments become old habits you can continue to add new ones.

Earth-friendly products are hard to find and expensive.

The natural and sustainable products industry is estimated to be growing 20-30 percent each year, with around 13,000 retailers devoted to environmentally preferable products exclusively. Many conventional retailers are also adding products or switching ingredients to make their products more environmentally friendly. As far as price goes, many Earth-friendly products are actually cheaper than their conventional counterparts because they use recycled or reclaimed materials. Sometimes and item costs more up front, but saves you much more in the long run (for example energy-efficient light bulbs). If you are still unsure, search the web and see how many products are available at great prices.

It's hypocritical to advocate and practice environmentally friendly behaviors in some, but not all, areas of my life.

This is probably the myth that I struggle with the most. It's hard to feel good about the aluminum cans you recycle if you use Styrofoam to take home left-overs. But remember that every little bit helps. Something is better than nothing. Becoming "greener" is a journey, with no real destination. Be patient with yourself and take your time as you learn how to live greener. Hypocrisy only comes into play if you give false information about your attributes or demand a standard from another that you won't live up to yourself.

Bloomington Jr. High School, 901 N. Colton Avenue, Bloomington, IL  61701