As an active recycler in a town particularly friendly to recylcing, I must say that if environmentalists could choose one policy that would most undermine environmental commitments, mandatory recycling - like the programs Jeff describes in Brookline and Cleveland - is the one. For any recycler familiar with the recyling habits of most folks, to any thoughtful observer, this should be a non-starter right out of the gates. Unless you're angling for serious backlash, I suppose.
Get excited about recycling? Not me.
I also welcome the debate, Jeff is initiating, here. I recycle because I think it's the right thing to do. But, I have to say, that leftist activism in the last 10 years has made me far more skeptical of the left-wing causes I've supported in the past, not more. Ironic, but true. And the fact that they can't hear that makes me all the more skeptical and prone to give up their causes, is the truth.
But, the truth is, I'm more committed to doing the right thing than just telling leftists to fuck off. So I want to hear what Jeff has to say.
Like so many issues, this is a discussion that deserves a more honest debate and assessment rather than the mindless bullshit that has passes for politics, these days.
Perhaps it's about time we learned some of our lessons.
