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Demystifying the myth of HEROISM OF RECYCLING

PauloLutkenhaus
11 years, 6 months ago

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CRITIQUE

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Currently, or rather, there are about two decades, we have heard - and seen - increasingly, companies, industries and economic sectors of society to speak on "environmental responsibility" (beyond "social responsibility", which is not focus of this article). With the advent of increasing - though still not enough - society's awareness about the need for conservation and preservation of the environment and its resources, since approximately the time of the ECO 92 (*), the segments are adopting economic policies and practices a little more environmentally friendly - although, again, is not enough - right, many with a simple goal: to pass to their customers and consumers a full corporate image, ethics, beautiful. But ... they really are anyway?? We will see below with regard specifically to the policy of the 3 R's.

Since 1983, on the occasion of the World Commission on Environment and Development, created by the UN and chaired by then Prime Minister of Norway Gro Harlem Brundtland, has been proposed integration between economic development and environmental issues, establishing in this way, the concept sustainable development, which means "development that aims to satisfy the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, means enabling people now and in the future, reach a satisfactory level of social development and economic and cultural and human achievement, doing at the same time, a reasonable use of land resources and preserve species and natural habitats. "(SOURCE: http://www.akatu.org.br/Temas/Consumo-Consciente/Posts/Linha-do-tempo-do-Consumo-Consciente-e-da-...). In order to equip the practice of this concept were signed during the ECO 92 a series of documents and treaties on biodiversity, climate, forests, desertification, access and use of natural resources of the planet, and is designed to Policy 3 R's, or is: Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (exactly in that order). Thus, for nature and its resources were actually preserved, enough that we, humans, rethink our habits and practices we put into our day-to-day not in the habit of compulsive consumption, reduce our consumption, to adopt in our lives the practice of Conscious Consumption (**). After the adoption of this practice, then it adopted the second "R" policy, ie, reuse of materials and products for many times, even in purposes other than those which are normally intended (as an example may be mentioned the seats, chairs or even houses built of PET bottles). Only then, after traveling the paths of the two R's, is to depart prior to the third R, which is the recycling. Thus, only after we reduce our consumption (avoiding excessive and compulsive consumption), and then reusing materials and products is that, finally, consignee those who remained and could not be reused to be recycled back to brand new products.

And that the path of the 3 R's policy is driven exactly in this order? Because only in this order is that natural resources (raw materials and energy) are actually saved. If it were the other way around they would not be spared. After all, it is well to remember that for recycling is made, are necessary, for example, specialized machines that make possible the transformation of old materials in brand new materials. And the machines are made of various raw materials such as metals, which are extracted from nature through mining, an extremely impactful to the environment. The machines also require some form of energy to make them work, whether electricity, heat (such as burning coal, etc.). In addition, the machines also often use water to cool overheated parts were or even the machines themselves. And we know that water is an essential element to life on the planet that is increasingly rare, so that we risk a global crisis in the future a very brief (about 10 years from now). Moreover, machinery and industrial recycling processes, often releasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, further contributing to pollution and global warming (as a consequence, global warming provides strong storms, melting glaciers, tsunamis, hurricanes, among other serious climate changes). Another point which also refers to the process of recycling is the transport of materials to be recycled. Usually large trucks (mostly diesel-powered, and others moved to other types of fuels derived from petroleum) that, in addition to pollute the atmosphere and contribute to global warming, also make use of various types of raw materials in their construction that are extracted from nature, among which we mention the iron ore and oil (used in the manufacture of rubber tires). All this, as can be seen, becomes a vicious cycle in which consumption is growing and the use of natural resources as well, bringing pollution as a consequence, global warming, the imbalance of nature, actually causing environmental chaos instead to avoid it.

And why, then, companies and television both encourage recycling, as if it were a sort of "superhero" to save the Earth and nature of environmental problems caused by human beings, including disclosing that consistently for all children? Very simple: Because their real concern is not with nature but with the profit, or make money. And for that to happen, they need to convince people to continue consuming more and more, buying, buying, buying non-stop and, moreover, believing that consumerism does not affect the Earth, and that it will easily be saved with a little help from our friend "Super Heroine" recycling. And it's all a big lie! The society is being cheated!

So next time you hear companies, television and other economic sectors of society (which in fact only seek profit and nothing else!) Glorify, praise deeply recycling, as if it were to save the planet, you already know: It is the most pure lie! THE PLANET WILL ONLY BE SAVED WHEN THE HUMAN BEING is no longer a strong consumer, WHEN REDUCE YOUR CONSUMPTION!

Some people, often linked to these economic sectors, such as the large and mega business, to try to argue that "Human beings are consumed by their own nature." BUT THIS IS ANOTHER GREAT LIE!!! Just remember how many trillions of dollars (or more) is spent worldwide on advertising and marketing. Let us recall also the fact that a few decades ago, university courses have been developed that focus specifically on marketing, advertising and propaganda. It is little?? Well then you know that today, even psychologists participate, along with advertising, creating commercials and advertisements. You know why?? Because psychologists know well what the visual elements and media exert greater influence and power of seduction of the human mind.

We will not be more charming or chic to drink beverages that advertisements tell us to drink, or smoke cigarettes now on TV (as much as one is able to cirrhosis, pulmonary emphysema or some type of cancer). This is all just another way to entice us to consume more and more, telling us that we are free because we spend or choose our brands, and in fact we are not choosing or thinking, but letting them choose, think and reason for us, manipulating us. In addition, we are helping to destroy the planet faster if we follow what the advertising, TV and the mega entrepreneurs tell us to, ie, consuming more and believing, naively, that recycling alone will save all of us, solving all environmental problems. Problems that both it, the Earth, as we (humans), responsible for them, we are going through. IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP TO REALITY!



(*) ECO-92, Rio-92, Summit or Earth Summit are names by which he is best known to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), held between 3 and 14 June 1992 in Rio De Janeiro, Brasil. Its main objective was to seek ways to reconcile the socio-economic development with conservation and protection of Earth's ecosystems.

The Rio Conference established the concept of sustainable development and contributed to broader awareness of the damage to the environment were largely the responsibility of developed countries. It was recognized at the same time, the need for developing countries receive financial and technological support to advance toward sustainable development. At that time, the position of developing countries has become more well-structured and international political environment favored the acceptance of principles developed countries such as the common but differentiated. The shift in perception regarding the complexity of the issue was given very clearly in diplomatic negotiations, although its impact was smaller in terms of public opinion.
(SOURCE: http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECO-92)



(**) Conscious Consumption - Also called sustainable consumption, this concept was created in 1995 by the Commission on Sustainable Development of the UN has the following meaning: "Is the use of services and products that meet the needs of all people and bring improvements quality of life, while reducing the use of natural resources and toxic materials, the production of waste and pollution emissions throughout the life cycle, without compromising the needs of future generations. "