The Importance of recycling Daniel Walsh Cas 100 A Penn State Hazleton

Introduction + Main Points Recycling is the Solution to Pollution Americans are not fully aware of pollution Recycling should be enforced more strictly Criminals should have to clean up trash during their time in prison

America has to become more aware of pollution Some cities like San Diego for example use direct mailers, TV ads, and interactive web sites, to increase public awareness. Americans should understand that it is morally and ethically right to recycle. It can improve our overall health. It is a required by law in Philadelphia that every building recycles. Source:

Counter Arguments against pollution awareness Some might argue that people should be allowed to manage their waste w/o interference of the law BUT… If humans produce trash they should agree that it is morally and LAWFULLY responsible to clean it up !

Recycling should be enforced more strictly Stronger fines should be made for dumping and littering. In some cities, like Philadelphia there is a minimum fine of $300 dollars for littering The fine for dumping in Philadelphia is $50000 for first time offenders, double for second time offenders. Source:

Counter arguments against enforcing recycling People are hard headed and complain that the fines are high enough already But… It really is a major problem and that if fines were raised most people would think twice about littering.

Criminals in jail have should have to clean up trash during time in prison In rare occasions some criminals might be seen on the side of the road cleaning up trash, this should be put into practice more often. Instead of a 6 month jail sentence Chris Brown opted to clean up trash and graffiti for his conviction of assault on his girlfriend. This is a very constructive way of paying back society for committing their crimes. Source:

Counter arguments of criminals cleaning up trash A possible argument might be that criminals still have rights and should not have to pick up others trash But… If someone is in jail b/c of a crime they committed they should have to repay society by doing constructive things like recycling trash

Recycling Statistics Since 1980, the generation of municipal solid waste has grown by 60%. almost half of the paper used in the USA is now being recycled into new paper products. The largest category of recycled paper goods was newspaper at 89%. Source:

Conclusion - Why Recycling is Important Recycling should be taken very seriously. Its not hard to clean up trash and dispose of it after a person creates garbage. Some ways to do this is to just hold on to your trash until you see a trash can, or keep a small bag in your car for trash. People should also use recycling containers instead of trash containers for plastic and glass objects.