Recycling is a Lie

At least the way it was sold to us.

I have this vision of my trash can.

It's filled only with renewable materials free of any sort of residue, it does not even require a liner. After I take it out to the bin, a collector comes by and delivers it to a local renewables facility. Operations run smoothly, the task of sorting the receivables requires minimal effort as most commerce has shifted to glass, metal, and paper packaging. There are clear processes to sanitize and renew the materials before distributing them back to local businesses and organizations.

A quote from Finland-Swedish author Henrik Tikkanen discussing war, and what conflict means for future generations. A poignant thought that reminds us the choices we make have a resounding impact in all areas of life.

This vision flows through my mind as I walk outside to collect the Sunday paper.

Everything You've Thrown Away is Likely Still Out There

The headline stared at me like a flashing neon sign that simply read "duh". Another moment where something I had known innately, I had yet to consider or communicate. "If I eat fistfuls of dirt, I will become severely ill."—of course, but not a thought that had every been fully realized in my mind, until I aimed to create an example to include in this writing. Even the most remedial dive into sustainability practices will reveal a world of greenwashing, trash islands, and general shirking of accountability. For example, the West’s practice of shipping its waste internationally.

But what everyone gets wrong, or at least what they may not know, is that the West’s trash exportation has a clear historical catalyst. Like most counter intuitive social practices, it was a by product of the enduring impact of war. Unemployment during the Great depression was a whopping 25%, and even by 1939 the economy had not fully recovered with the rate hovering around 14%. Then came World War 2, where all the nations production lines were dedicated to munitions, in fact at the peak of the war the country was producing almost as many as all of its allies and enemies combined. There were little to no commercial products on the shelves. United States citizens had been under strict wartime rations, for over 3 years, on common goods from gasoline to soap.

The economic conditions following World War II were primed for excessive consumerism and convenience products. Women and minorities stepped into professional roles left vacant by those who signed up for military efforts—over 20% of their disposable income going to savings, compared to the 3% being saved in the 1920s. Despite economists concerns, returning military personnel were easily able to find work, as factories seamlessly transitioned from munitions production to household items like cars, and revolutionary products like laundry machines, dishwashers, and garbage disposables. After the turmoil of the Great Depression and the Second World War, people were ready to dive into a life of excessive luxury.

Single-use plastics, disposable goods, and throw-away packaging became the norm in this new modern era. But as litter began to overtake every city and town in the nation, the people demanded a response. Industries pivoted, touting “recycling” as the all encompassing solution to the litter problem. Although evidence supports the corporations were aware recycling could never solve the issue alone, they simply planted the idea as a distraction that would deflect from their plans to produce disposable goods exponentially.

Long story short—the United States began outsourcing its trash to other countries, and the results have been truly heinous. Disease, illness, and death plagues the regions that accept the West’s waste who are ill-equipped and wholly unresponsible to rectify the problem.

Then, who is responsible for rectifying the problem? A question of much debate and controversy in the public square, so I instead pose to you, “Who is capable of rectifying the problem?”

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

I used to have a vision of a zero waste lifestyle, but it felt insurmountable for where I was at the time—even for where I am now. What I do have is faith and hope in a collective of individuals who work in tandem towards a common goal. The impact of reducing waste (any type of waste) in my household is negligible on a global scale—but the impact of everyone who reads this making a conscious choice to change their own waste management practices and share what they’ve learned with others, well, those ripples travel far.

I’ll leave you with this:

5 Composting Methods to Reduce Food Waste

Composting is one of the simplest, most impactful things you can do for your garden and the planet. It transforms kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil, reducing landfill waste and feeding your plants naturally.

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Barrel (Tumbler) Composting

What It Is
Barrel composting uses a sealed drum or tumbler mounted on a stand. You fill it with a mix of organic greens (nitrogen-rich materials like food scraps) and browns (carbon-rich materials like leaves), then rotate it regularly to aerate the pile.

The Process
The tumbling action mixes the contents and adds oxygen, encouraging aerobic microbes to break everything down quickly. Tumblers are great for keeping pests out and composting neat.

Works Best For
Small spaces, patios, or urban gardens. Ideal if you want tidy composting with minimal mess.

Pro Tips

• Balance greens and browns (about 50/50).

• Turn the barrel 3-5 times per week.

• Keep contents moist—like a wrung-out sponge.

Timeframe: 2-3 months
Pros: Pest-proof, fast, and clean
Cons: Smaller capacity, heavy when full

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Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)

What It Is
Vermicomposting uses worms—most commonly red wigglers—to break down food scraps into rich, valuable worm castings (worm poop!). The castings are loaded with nutrients and beneficial microbes.

The Process
Worms eat kitchen scraps and bedding materials in a ventilated bin, producing castings you can harvest every few months. This system works indoors or outdoors and is virtually odor-free when managed properly.

Works Best For
Apartment dwellers, classrooms, and gardeners who want to compost indoors year-round.

Pro Tips

• Keep worms between 55°F and 77°F.

• Avoid feeding them citrus.

• Use shredded newspaper or coconut coir for bedding.

Timeframe: 2-3 months
Pros: Compact, low-odor, great for small spaces
Cons: Worms need care and stable temperatures

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Hot (Active) Composting

What It Is
Hot composting speeds up decomposition by building a large, well-balanced pile that heats up to 130°F–160°F. The heat kills weed seeds and pathogens, resulting in rich compost quickly.

The Process
You’ll need a pile that’s at least 3’x3’x3’. Regularly turn the pile to aerate it and maintain the heat. The high temperature encourages fast decomposition by thermophilic (heat-loving) microbes.

Works Best For
Gardeners who want finished compost quickly and don’t mind a little extra work.

Pro Tips

• Use a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of browns to greens.

• Turn the pile every few days.

• Keep moisture levels consistent (like a damp sponge).

Timeframe: 1-3 months
Pros: Fast, kills weed seeds, creates high-quality compost
Cons: Requires effort and monitoring, needs space

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Cool (Passive) Composting

What It Is
Cool composting is the “set it and forget it” method. You just pile up organic materials and let nature do the work over time—no turning required.

The Process
This slower process relies on microbes and natural decomposition. While it doesn’t get hot enough to kill weed seeds or pathogens, it eventually creates healthy compost with minimal effort.

Works Best For
Busy gardeners or those with lots of yard waste, ample space, and little time.

Pro Tips

• Chop larger materials to help them break down faster.

• Keep the pile moist during dry spells.

• Patience is key—this is a slow process!

Timeframe: 6-12 months or longer
Pros: Easy, no maintenance
Cons: Slow, may attract pests, doesn’t kill weed seeds

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In-Ground Composting (Trench or Pit Composting)

What It Is
In-ground composting involves burying your kitchen scraps or garden waste directly into the soil. Microorganisms and worms break it down naturally, enriching the soil right where you need it.

The Process
Dig a hole or trench 12-18 inches deep, add your compostable material, and cover it with soil. As it decomposes, it feeds the surrounding plants and improves soil structure.

Works Best For
Garden beds, orchards, or areas you want to enrich over time.

Pro Tips

• Use in areas where you’re not planting immediately (decomposition takes time).

• Mark areas with a stone or garden decor, or keep a map of active composts.

• Rotate locations to avoid overloading one spot.

Timeframe: 3-5 months
Pros: Simple, no equipment needed, builds soil in place
Cons: Labor-intensive, not ideal for large amounts of waste

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Which Composting Method is Right for You?

Each method has its pros and cons, but they all lead to the same desired result—healthy soil and thriving plants!

• Want fast compost? Try hot composting or a tumbler.

• Short on space? Vermicomposting or a small barrel works great.

• Low-maintenance? Cool composting or trench methods might be for you.

Start with what feels manageable, and you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes routine.

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Have a favorite composting method or tips to share?

Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experience.
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