New research suggests that the presence of recycling bins may actually increase our use of materials, given the psychological satisfaction received when the receptacles are used. The research suggests that recycling may act as a "get out of jail free" card for people concerned about using up resources.
http://www.psmag.com/environment/recycling-a-free-pass-for-wasteful-consumption-42016/
The find isn't to say that we should stop recycling, it's simply pointing out that recycling is not the perfect answer. It's not the "DYI Save-The-Planet" tactic that everyone thinks of it as. The scientists suggest that we continue recycling, but that we as consumers and environmental groups should educate ourselves on the total process and cost of recycling; what goes in, what comes out, and adjust our uses accordingly. In short, recycling is still good, but dropping overall consumption is better.
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