Question

Recycling is now an essential measure: it is time for everyone in society to become more responsible towards the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Model Answer

It is often said that we should all do our part to save the planet. As a result of this belief, the recycling of plastic and other materials has become the norm in many societies. However, I am not convinced that recycling is currently the best option. I think it would be better not to produce waste in the first place, thereby making recycling unnecessary.

There are many benefits to recycling, but there are also limits to what it can achieve. When recycling most materials, the material that is produced is generally of lower quality than the original product. For example, recycled paper is generally coarser than paper made from new materials. This means there will always be a demand for regular paper. Another problem with recycling is that it may give people a false sense of achievement. People who recycle may feel that this is enough to protect the environment. The reality is that other, more drastic changes are required.

Governments rather than individuals should be accountable for reducing the amount of waste that is produced. Only they can pass the legislation necessary to reduce wasteful packaging. For example, if cereals were sold loose, then a significant amount of waste would be eliminated at a stroke. Corporations are reluctant to do this, though, for fear of harming profits. That is why they are happy to push the narrative that recycling by consumers is an effective way of combating excess waste.

In conclusion, recycling might do more harm than good. Until the government forces corporations to change their packaging, the problem of plastic pollution is likely to persist.

(268 words)