You know, when you walk down the street, drink your soft drink or your bottled water; When you throw the bottle in the trash, have you noticed how many items in the trash are recyclable. Current reports show that around 80% of discarded waste is recyclable. Recycling is the third “R” of the three “Rs”: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Recycling is defined as taking a product or material at the end of its useful life and transforming it into a usable raw material to create another product. According to Ivanhoe Broadcast News, each year, the average American family throws away 2,460 pounds of paper, 540 pounds of metals, 480 pounds of glass and 480 pounds of food scraps. In conclusion, the average American throws away more than 1,200 pounds of trash per year, far more than most other countries. Personally, I find it ridiculous how oblivious and careless people are that they can't throw an item into another container so it can be recycled. To some extent, it's not just the public's fault; I personally believe that the government should step up and take control of the situation. Instead of sitting back while the world becomes more and more polluted. I believe there are many ways to improve this system. For example: Technology and electronics are an important part of our culture and society. The “fast” nature of technology creates products that become obsolete very quickly. Electronic devices that do not contain lead or mercury are largely recyclable. However, instead of recycling, people just throw these items away, without thinking... middle of paper ... anything that can help, we as a nation need to step up our efforts and support this cause. This is our future, so we have to do something with it. Quoted Words Goodwill Statistics: http://www.wheremostneeded.org/2007/06/corprate_thinki.htmlBy “blog” Broadcast News, Ivanhoe. “Reuse and recycling are beneficial.” News 8 Austin August 6, 2006. Cell Phone Statistics: http://web.mit.edu/comm-forum/forums/cell_phone_culture.htmBy James KatzAlumin Statistics: http://www.chymist.com/alum.pdfBy David A. KatzOrganic materials statistics: http://www.co.allen.in.us/images/stories/Purdue%20CES/Horticulture/ach125.pdfBy Allen E. Boger