Recycling is something that we can all take part in, but do we all take that opportunity? Social studies into the subject have shown that those aged 55+ are more likely to do recycling than those aged 18 to 30, but what we want to explore is why that might be, and how we can get young people to take part in recycling just as much as their parents and grandparents.
Recycling methods are taught in schools nowadays, which is a change from the middle aged and elderly generations in our society. It makes sense to expect the results of these surveys to show the opposite to the actual data. Is it a matter of today’s children simply not listening? Or could it be that older generations are simply more inclined to recycle?
As you grow older you tend to adopt more of a routine, and certainly taking care of your own household makes you appreciate the benefits of recycling more. For example, recycling means your main rubbish bin doesn’t fill up quite so quickly, so you’re not left with used bags waiting around until collection day. You also have access to all of your recycled waste on demand; if you need a clean jam jar it’s there rather than at the bottom of the kitchen bin. Older people also tend to be more interested in gardening, where converting organic waste into compost is particularly beneficial. Recycling in all areas may stem from this one in particular, and people get into good habits by proxy. Older people may also value their possessions more highly, and to get rid of something means a lot to them. As a result, they’re more likely to ensure it goes to the right place, or donate items to charity instead of putting them in the bin.
Why young people are less likely to take these habits on, we cannot know for sure. We can speculate that perhaps their blossoming social lives take priority, or perhaps learning to cook, clean and take care of themselves comes before being environmentally friendly.
Learning to recycle and maintaining the behaviour might also stem from either living through war, or having a parent who did. Living on rations taught people to be frugal with their possessions or resources, and as a result they may be more likely to see the benefits of recycling. Sustainability was very important at the time of the second world war, and sustainability and recycling tie in very closely. The fact that the current generation of children have had no direct influence from wartime rationing may mean they’re farther removed from its importance.
In terms of finding ways to help young people recycle more, we should continue to look to education starting at an early age. That’s not to say that it should be left in schools, colleges and universities, however. Recycling at home is an important lesson for parents to teach their children if there’s any hope of them carrying on with it. After all, recycling happens in the home and if it’s not applied there then the information goes straight over their heads. There are several community efforts across the UK, encouraging children as young as four to get involved in recycling, and allowing your child to take part could make a huge difference.
In terms of teenagers and those in their twenties, the government councils can encourage recycling by providing the means to do so: kitchen-waste caddies, compost bins at 60% discount and recycling bags for every kind of waste, collected on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Luckily in most areas these means are in place, and with continued education at home and in establishments we can keep working towards a higher percentage of Britons who recycle.
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Great look at how different ages are pitching in to help recycle, and how some need a little work. Thanks for sharing this new perspective!