Summary
In the end there may be ways to help to persuade the reluctant people to recycle. Products could be more clearly labeled as to not make people search to find out if something is recyclable. Laws could be implemented to force the importance of recycling. There are after all littering laws, and this is form of waste as well. Information can be provided to people on the actual process of recycling and how much waste is not in our landfills because of recycling. This is definitely a subject that needs to be more thoroughly explored. Recycle!
Everyone knows what it means to recycle. They know that it is better for the environment. It is not difficult to recycle. It makes you question why do so many people refuse to recycle? Getting people to recycle seems like you have to break the habits they have. Creating a new habit that becomes second nature. When we are used to do something there is not much of a thought process and effort put into doing it. Recycling has become more popular everywhere you go. There are two waste baskets one for trash and one for recycling. Some stores do not offer bags. You must bring reusable bags or purchase a bag. There is a misconception that stores do this in order to save money and make money on the purchase of the bags.
In a study conducted by Ojala the results showed that even the people that did not recycle found that it was important. The negatives outweighed the positives to recycle. “These negatives aspects included viewing recycling as inconvenient, complicated, or mistrusting that recycling was actually beneficial; and viewing oneself as too lazy to recycle” (Gruman, 2016). I can see that home there may be a little more effort into separating your trash from Recyling. Overall, it is not that much of an inconvenience. Maybe people are not certain what is recyclable and what is not. They may not want to take the time to read the item. One of the largest problems seems to be that people do not believe that recycling is real. If they do not believe in something they are less likely to do it.
Recycling can also be buying used items. Going to a yard sale instead of going shopping at the store. This option can also provide unique items you will not find anywhere else. Going to the thrift store and buying clothing or household items. They are cheaper and you are recycling. They are always popular for Halloween costumes so why not for other things. Re-using items at home rather than throwing them away and getting a new one right away. The small steps make big strides.
Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781506353968