The recycling movement has finally become an official religion. Have you ever felt guilty for throwing that glass bottle into the trashcan, instead of the recycling bin? I believe the emotion of guilt should be reserved for higher level trespasses such as those of a religious or moral nature. But we’ve all felt it in regard to a single instance of non-participation in the recycling mania.

In Chapel Hill and other progressive thinking places, including workplaces, there are literally signs labeling trash cans. When I was in the Chapel Hill Public Library, I saw such as sign.

It’s so confusing at the grocery stores or workplaces when you’re ready to bus your own table, you want to throw up your hands and just throw it all away. Who can know what can be composted, sent to the landfill or recycled? If you think this act will save the earth, I suppose you would be willing to obey orders. And don’t you feel that guilt when someone sees you throw something into the wrong bin?

How much energy does it take to turn recyclables into useable items? And do the environmental transgressions by China in just one day, erase all our efforts?

I think we’re still free in America, but I don’t feel very free being pushed around by those with Ph.D’s in composting.
If you fly over Orange County, you’ll see vast amounts of open land; yet we’re told there’s no room for another landfill. Sure, there are complex political decisions involved, but there’s no shortage of space.

So, the next time I rebelliously throw that bottle into the trashcan and let the water run while I am lathering (yes I saw such a sign!), am I committing a sin against the environmental religion? Does Al Gore need to write me a ticket? Oh, to feel free is a glorious feeling and occasionally I indulge myself!

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