Don’t believe the government is stealing from us (as I claim) every time we recycle (and charging us for the benefit)?
More than anything, it’s the commodities boom—or bubble, if you
prefer—that’s nudging garbage to the asset side of earth’s balance
sheet. The calculus is simple: As the prices of oil and other raw
materials rise, recycled products become more attractive. Consider that
8% of global oil production is siphoned off to make plastic each year.
Recycled plastic, however, requires 80% less energy to produce.
Recycled aluminum burns up 95% less energy. Recycled iron and steel use
74% less, while paper requires 64% less. The money piles up quickly.
-Max Borders
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