Question

18. Comment critically: “Recycling is beneficial to saving the environment yet it is a complex issue. It calls for changes in attitudes yet even that is not enough since markets are not well developed to be substantial force in preserving the environment.”

Answer 1

The 3Rs are beneficial for the society to reduce the impact of waste on environment. Recycling is a process of converting the waste into the products which could be again brought and sold in the market.

It is essential for sustainable example. And though a majority of population is aware of it, neither the market nor the firms are developed in such a way that the recycling could be made a part of the process.

Examples of the things that could be recycled are cardboard boxes, bottles, glass, paper , plastic etc..

The market could play a critical role in this. If the consumers are incentivised such that instead of dumping the cans or boxes in the waste, these could be brought back by the company, then it would be a win win for both.

The consumers are gaining nothing when they dump them in the waste, so they could get cash rewards or points for turning in these to the stores. And the firms could be benefitted as they would be saved from producing the good from scratch. Rather they could collect the empty bottles and cans or boxes from stores where they are supplying these goods.

In this process, the waste generated would reduce and both the players would be benefitted and motivated to do it, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

But for this the market needs to be developed which could start from a smaller level like a district or a town and them expand to higher levels.

(You can comment for doubts)