Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
by Myles Hogan '25
These principles were once thought to be the key to saving our planet. The idea was simple: by putting plastic waste in recycling bins instead of the trash, we could reverse environmental decline. But in reality, less than 6% of what’s meant to be recycled actually gets recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or is burned, releasing toxins harmful to both human health and the climate. Landfills also take up space that could be used for affordable housing. Meanwhile, nearly 33 billion pounds of plastic waste enter the ocean each year.
Ocean pollution alone costs $2.5 trillion annually. Even when plastic is recycled, the process itself contributes to a significant carbon footprint. Fossil fuels are used in recycling to burn plastic waste, and microplastics are released into the environment, which we then ingest through the air, water, and food. These microplastics have been found in human placentas, blood, stool, and even breast milk, and they are linked to serious health issues, including heart disease, inflammation, and reproductive toxicity.
However, we must continue recycling. The low rate of recycling is partly due to plastic contamination, but every effort counts. To improve recycling, we can help by keeping food and liquids out of bins and avoiding plastic bags and wrappers. The most effective way to reduce our environmental impact, though, is by reducing our consumption of single-use plastics. If that’s not possible, reusing products is the next best option.
Recycling is not the most effective solution—it still has a larger carbon footprint than reducing or reusing. But doing nothing will lead to even worse consequences. You can make a difference by supporting legislation and representatives focused on sustainability. Recently, Albany hosted the "NY is Not Disposable Advocacy Day," where discussions about the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act took place. This bill bans harmful substances in packaging and requires producers to fund recycling efforts. For more information, visit Beyond Plastics Advocacy Day or Siena College's Planet Above Profit page.
We can all contribute by reducing our consumption, reusing products, and supporting policies that prioritize the planet over profit.
References & Additional Resources
Only 5% of plastic in the U.S. is recyclable. What should you do with the rest? | Here & Now
What You Can Do to Improve the Recycling Rate | US EPA
How long it takes everyday items to decompose
The Hidden Damage of Landfills | Environmental Center | University of Colorado Boulder