Is Recycling Still Worth It Anymore in 2021?
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Provided by: NowThis Earth|Published on: April 27, 2021
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video by NowThis Earth breaks down plastic recycling, showing the true social and environmental costs of "recycling" some plastics.
- Students will understand the flaws of the current United States recycling system, changes to where our waste has gone, and what it will take to have a better system.
Subjects: Economics, Engineering
Authors: NowThis Earth
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video outlines the environmental injustice of the global plastic recycling system. Much of the plastic that is "recycled" in the United States (except #1 and #2) is shipped to the Global South and may not be recycled.
- This video is dynamic and features excellent graphics.
Prerequisites
- This may change the narrative in your classroom or school, showing that plastic recycling is not what you think it is.
- Students can engage in any number of higher-priority climate actions at school, including advocating for more plant-based food, reducing food waste, or creating no-idle zones to reduce emissions from cars and buses.
- One way to fix the broken plastic recycling system is simply to consume less plastic in the first place. So if students ask what they can do, suggest a personal action they can take for the climate: buy less stuff.
Differentiation & Implementation
- After students watch the video, they can pivot to a different environmental campaign, such as Meatless Mondays or the installation of School Hydration Stations.
- Students can research local recycling systems to learn what can actually be recycled in their town.
- Note that paper, cardboard, glass, and aluminum are recycled domestically and are very important to reduce our impacts on the planet. Students can look to purchase products made from 100% recycled material and can look for paper, glass, and aluminum as alternatives to plastic packaging/items.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
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Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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