Recycling myths and realities through the experts' eyes

Don't you just hate it when someone tells you that recycling is a scam? That the whole system burns up more energy than it saves and it's nothing more than a wasteful exercise invented by people who feel guilty about their gross overconsumption and try to compensate by sorting their trash?

Well, let's ask the experts. Popular Mechanics has just published a story debunking -- or not debunking -- five "half truths" about recycling. It's a fascinating read and will give you plenty to talk about at the next eco-friendly cocktail party you attend. Here's my very quick summary:

• We have to recycle because we're running out of landfill space. FALSE.
• The trucks that collect recycling burn more energy and produce more pollution than recycling saves. FALSE.
• Thanks to the sky-high prices of raw materials, cities are getting rich by selling recyclables. MOSTLY FALSE, BUT CHANGING.
• All the paper, plastic, metal and glass dumped in recycling bins has to be painstakingly (and expensively) sorted by hand. FORMERLY TRUE, BUT CHANGING.
• Most of the plastic put in recycling bins ends up in the garbage. TRUE NOW, BUT CHANGING QUICKLY.

Read the article, which is short and to the point to get all the details. Recycling needs defending, and you can help if you know what you're talking about.