IELTS Essay: Recycling

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

Many today would claim that the optimal method to encourage individuals to recycle more often is for governments to legally enforce it. In my opinion, there are subtler approaches governments could take though this reform would undoubtedly be effective.

The principle rationale in favor of this argument is that only governments can force the average person to act when there are pressing social concerns. The world is facing an uncertain future because of increasingly severe environmental problems largely related to overpopulation and human activity. Therefore, governments can justifiably compel their citizens to contribute to the solution by recycling. At the moment, only a small proportion of households recycle consistently but a law that required all families to separate and categorize their garbage would undeniably help combat climate change. This is best evidenced in nations where residents do recycle frequently and the environment is not as direly threatened, such as in Japan.

However, the public backlash to this reform could be avoided with more nuanced reforms. Instead of forcing all households to recycle the government could institute a variety of reforms such as offering incentives to companies that recycle, educating young people about the benefits of recycling, and making recycling in schools a point of emphasis. These minor alterations to existing policy would allow the general public to slowly transition to a more sustainable lifestyle and avoid any potential controversy. If, on the other hand, the reforms were strictly mandated, there is a strong chance that in nations like the United States where individuals are protective of their civil liberties, the government might do more harm than good in the short-term.

In conclusion, though compulsory recycling is a well-intentioned aim, it should not be prioritized over less invasive regulations. In this way, governments will be able to achieve long-term success without alienating the public.