Lloyd’s post did get me thinking about the idea of “design for reuse” from the beginning, which I think is especially important with complex items like computers and cars. By designing products from the begining to have second lives, or to have replaceable elements we’ll be able to manage the whole stream much more efficiently.

I think everyone agrees that we need to reduce the amount the waste we each generate. However, I respectfully disagree with Lloyd’s point of view about recycling. We live in a consumer-driven society that makes up our significant portion of our GDP, and in turn, there remains a demand for manufactured products. The resulting waste needs to be handled, and recycling has proven advantages that benefit the entire population. The EPA explains that recycling generates positive results, including:

- Protecting and expand U.S. manufacturing jobs;
- Increasing U.S. competitiveness;
- Preventing pollution caused by the manufacturing of products from virgin materials, and
- Saving energy, among other clear environmental benefits.

Recycling requires a collective effort; corporations and consumers alike share the responsibility of taking steps to reduce the waste they produce and use. America Recycles Day serves as a reminder to us all of the need to share this responsibility to attain these benefits.