Is Recycling the Answer

Week 7 Discussion: Is Recycling the Answer? - Discussion Group 6

From PHIL 2500.003/203 (12512)

Prompt

Over the past three week's we've learned a lot about plastic pollution -from how our lives ended up so plastic, to how plastic ends up in global oceans. For this discussion, I am asking you to draw on what you have learned to answer the following question: can recycling solve the problem of plastic pollution? In supporting your position, be sure to draw on this week's readings and video about plastic recycling, as well as other relevant materials from our focus on plastic pollution. This 24-minute Planet Money " Waste Land (Links to an external site.) " podcast from NPR is an engaging review of some of the major issues with plastics recycling and explains how we came to think that most plastic would actually be recycled (and why it isn't).

Some questions to consider as you write your post: who should be responsible for plastics? The industry that makes it? Consumers who buy it? Cities, as part of their waste collection? If you think recycling can solve the problem, what about recycling needs to change? If you think recycling cannot solve the problem, what alternatives do you find most promising? Which of the three articles you read this week best supports your own position? Does your position on recycling assume plastic waste is an individual or systemic problem? 

Expectations

Write a 250-word initial post following the prompt above. Be sure to support your position with specific details from this week's readings and videos. Then, reply to at least 2 other students' posts with comments of 100 words or more. Your discussion contributions should be thoughtful, logically organized, and well-written/edited. Please be respectful, but do not shy away from challenging questions and constructive criticism.