Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine: Sorting Out the Recycling System

by Beth Porter

Ecosystems require balance to survive, and when that balance is compromised, disaster can befall the whole system. To keep a balance in our global ecosystem, we need to use resources efficiently, equitably, and sustainably. In both nature and economics, we observe that when a healthy distribution of resources is achieved, systems can not only function but flourish.



The United States recycles roughly 34% of its waste and has been stuck at this level for decades. Recycling brings a balance to our system by managing resources in a loop. When done well, it benefits communities and the environment. Individuals are a key part of connecting this loop because we provide a supply of materials and a demand for new recycled products. But many of us don't know what happens after those items leave our homes. We're confused by inconsistent rules of what we can and can't recycle. Our confusion has huge consequences and is a reason why our recycling is stuck. Throughout Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine, Beth Porter provides answers to clear up that confusion, and shares great resources about recycling, explaining the complexity, guiding individual action, and contextualizing its history. This book reveals how we arrived at this state of dysfunction, and what steps we need to employ to be an active participant in strengthening our recycling system. Nature knows how to recycle itself, decomposing waste back into the soil to continue the circle of growth. We should follow its lead.--Todd Larsen, Executive Co-Director, Green America "Publishers Weekly"

Genres: Nonfiction, Environment, Science, Sustainability

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2018

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you know that throwing plastic bags into your recycling bin may result in them flying into the machinery at a recycling center and shutting down operations? Did you know that workers hand sort our recyclables at certain points in the waste system, so putting broken glass in your bin can cause them injuries? Did you know that the US recycles only 34% of our waste, while countries like Germany and Sweden recycle nearly double that amount? And did you know that individuals and communities have the power to raise those rates here at home? I learned these fascinating facts and much more while reading Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine. Beth Porter's book takes an engaging look at the history of recycling in the US, the ins and outs of our cumbersome recycling system, and the signs of hope that show things may be improving (and much more). She also gives readers practical tips on how individuals can recycle in ways that avoid recycling system contamination and waste, and how we can effectively advocate for better recycling and composting options in our communities. The book's title does start with the word "reduce," and she pays careful attention to urging Americans to shift wasteful habits so we use less and waste less, so we don't need to recycle as much in the first place. Overall, Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine is a beautifully written, thoroughly researched, fast-paced read that will inspire you to rethink what you put in your big blue (or green, in my case) bin.

[Lizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and so informative in an accessible way! I love that this book offered solutions and resources. Also, tell people who dont want to read an entire book on recycle to just read the last chapter if they want a quick sum up of important info & tips!

[Fred Pisoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good. I learned so much about recycling and the whole cycle. The author's tone is wonderful. She informs and cheers on without being preachy. And, the amount of research she did was just incredible! Wonderful!

[Robert Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent in-depth overview of recycling, trash and landfill issues with focus on how systems and systems don't work.

Lots of statistics, case studies etc. I was really surprised to learn of high rate of steel recycling at 92% recovered and recycled. Gives overviews on why other materials are so hard to recycling from economic, transnational and political issues.

Important message on reducing, reusing waste with resources for individuals to improve their community practices.

Still almost seems like the only way to encourage the level of recycling she recommends is thru government policy mandates. Her case of Ireland mandating clear rubbish bags, fines, and penalties seems to show how it can work. People without the stick or carrot do not seem to respond.

Dense but quick read. Sadly at the end almost felt a bit of frustration with the little impact one could have at the individual level...

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Porter discusses the history of recycling without making it dry and a comparison of recycling to a forest is used at the beginning of each chapter. Just as I was becoming complacent in my recycling and probably doing a bit of wish-cycling (Porter's word for recycling things we think should be recycled but aren't actually accepted), Porter's book reminded me of the importance of only recycling what your carrier accepts. It's time consuming and costly to remove items that can't be recycled once picked up. Also good reminders on working towards not contaminating your recycling, clean out your containers and dry them so they don't get paper wet. Probably the best reminder, though, is if you're not buying recycled products after recycling something you're not really recycling. Porter also has an extensive bibliography and a list of additional resources.

[Barrett Radziun · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains good information, and it did answer several of the questions I had about recycling. However, regarding my own recycling questions, this book mainly encouraged me to check my local recycling rules. Perhaps trivial, but I also encountered many typos throughout the book, which I find distracting. The final chapter encourages the reader to share the book with a friend or donate it to a local library if I learned anything from it, which I did. I think I’ll donate it to a library.

[Sue Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the most concise, current and comprehensive review of the recycling industry, with suggestions, tips, and an extensive list of resources! I listened to the audio version from hoopla, checked out the hard copy from the library to help with notes, only to order the book today to pass along to my Green Team members and concerned friends. Some of our natural resources are finite, we have but one planet—I hope others will read and be inspired to take action.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was this book perfect? Of course not, but it was still a good look at what we are all doing correctly when it comes to recycling and what still needs improvement (whether it be in the USA or worldwide). Useful book for anyone, especially those who don't really understand how to recycle, what to recycle or why to bother recycling.

[monicadear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy to learn more about the history and current focus on reducing/reusing/recycling - Beth’s book is clear and concise and gives a thorough background as well as a hopeful pathway for how we move forward with this tremendously important issue ! Recycling - it works !! 💙💚🌎

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book. Lots of information. Liked the fact that the author talked about they positives but also gave some of the pitfalls and problems. It certainly made me think about my own habits and behavior.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skimmed most of this book. It was too dense and the writing couldn’t hold my interest. I picked it up after hearing Ms Porter on Jonathan Van Ness’s podcast Getting Curious. (Excellent podcast - one of my favs) The episode made me curious enough to read the book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, well researched and minimally boring book on recycling: how it works, the economics of it, even the psychology of recycling (my favorite chapter). For anyone at all interested in the topic of recycling or reuse it is a must read.

[Heather Morihara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super informative and does a good job presenting recycling/sustainability as accessible to all. It went into more detail than I was admittedly interested in so I got a little bored, but something I’m glad I read and will likely refer back to in the future!

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A macro study of the recycling world. It does make you feel a bit helpless on individual contributions, but a worthwhile and educational read nonetheless.

[Valerie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

So illuminating, important, and inspiring!!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting overview of recycling in the U.S. and how our systems (don't) work. Great tips for good recycling practices and other efforts towards sustainability.