Amna Nawaz
@PBSNewsHour·5.3M subscribers·62.2K videos
Why are people cynical about plastic recycling?
Posted
August 22, 2026
Views
7,079
Likes
450
Engagement
6.36%
August 22, 2026
7,079
450
6.36%
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2:01Now PlayingThe world is drowning in trash. Each day, we toss out 3.5 million tons of it.
Trash pollutes our lands and waters, with harmful impacts to many living things on Earth. The UN estimates that if we don't change course, the amount of plastic trash we produce is projected to triple by 2060.
One proposed solution to this crisis is recycling. But for some people, there's a lingering cynicism that recycling is a scam, that it doesn't really help and that it's more about creating positive feelings than doing something meaningful.
Horizons host William Brangham discussed this cynicism with Judith Enck, founder of Beyond Plastics, an organization that campaigns to end plastic waste.
Horizons from PBS News, dives into the science, health, technology and environmental issues making headlines each week. Visit the PBS News website to watch this week's episode.
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