Clearly the goal of curbside recycling programs is to reduce damage to the environment. Mr. Marston stresses the success of curbside recycling in accomplishing the goal of increasing the amount of material being recycled. However, Ms. Dunaway suggests that the goal of protecting the environment is not being met or is being met at very high costs. Out of Molehills 1. First, how well biodegradable materials biodegrade depends on the context in which they are placed.
Biodegradable materials biodegrade more quickly in compost heaps than in landfills.
Second, people may not know that such items as paper, food waste, yard waste, and construction materials are larger components of landfills than are more obvious things like disposable diapers. People who view solid waste as associated with wasteful lifestyles might think we should feel guilty about solid waste. It is true that Americans are often regarded as materialistic. People who view solid waste as the result of efforts we make to improve our lives by heating homes, preparing uncontaminated food, keeping children clean, and earning an income would be less inclined to associate guilt with solid waste. Explain your answer.