Is being green a waste? Mainstream media would like you to think so. Do their anti-recycling sound bites deter the public from recycling?

RECYCLING CAUSES POLLUTION. People don't buy products made from recyclables. We're recycling as much as we can. These are some of the anti-recycling messages that reporters and conservative think tanks are sending to the public, claims the National Recycling Coalition (NRC), a recycling advocacy group in Alexandria, Va. But these messages are flat out wrong, argues NRC. For example, the group cites statistics showing that recycling has reduced the amounts of 18 types of air and water pollutants, and it estimates that more than 310 companies profit from using recycled plastics. And while the national recycling rate is 28 percent, the Environmental Protection Agency has set a goal of 35 percent by 2005.

What Do You Think?

Do you think recycling has gotten a bad rap from the media? Do you think we should do more to encourage recycling? If so, what needs to be done? Let us know via fax (617-457-0979) or email (naturalhealth @weiderpub.com). Look for your replies in an upcoming issue.

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