The statement that people should use fewer resources rather than recycle more is a complex one and it gives room for discussion. This essay aims to present opinions that are pro and against it.
While recycling might not be viable for everyone, for many years it has been the go-to alternative for people who consider themselves eco-friendly. But once the different types of waste are sorted into different bins, in most cases it’s unclear what will happen to them next and it is unlikely that the average person is much interested either. Besides that, it is important to be aware that depending on the type of material, a large amount of resources can be converted towards its recycling process. Consequently, if we as a society keep consuming recyclables unprecedentedly and not bothering to know what happens to them once they’re disposed of, is it really eco-friendly or is it saving in one end and wasting in the other? The latter seems to be the answer.
However, if the above mentioned statement includes corporations and governments, it is agreeable because those are the ones that use and waste the most resources with each passing year. Despite promoting campaigns to raise environmental awareness and targeting the average person, they’re the ones that need to be hold accountable for their actions. As I see it, it seems unfair to blame a person for taking a 15 minute shower when millions of meter cubics of water are being converted to practices that badly impact the environment.
In conclusion, even though the statement is complex we, as a society, should be aware of our consumption habits while seeking information on how to demand actions from those with higher power to revamp the situation we’re in.