The importance of recycling

Modern society produces enormous quantities of waste because people constantly buy, use, replace, package, transport, and dispose of products. Food arrives in containers, online purchases are delivered in cardboard and plastic, drinks are sold in bottles and cans, electronics are replaced when newer models appear, and clothing may be discarded even when it is still usable. Waste can therefore appear to be simply the final stage of everyday consumption: an object is no longer needed, it is placed in a bin, and it disappears from personal attention. However, throwing something away does not make the material disappear.…