Parents won't recycle?

Question

I really care about helping the environment. I'm only 16, so i'll have to pick up the pieces if we don't now. I've been trying to recycle, but my parents are too lazy. What should I do?

Answer 1

Go ahead on your own and even if they don't follow your example others will.

But if you get things set up at home (a box for each of the recycle materials collected in your area) and use them yourself your parents are likely to start using those boxes eventually.  You will probably have to make the trips to the recycling points at first but your parents are likely to join in after a while.  Just don't go on at them about it but simply get on with it yourself and you may be surprised how it works out.

Even if they never join in I am glad you are showing sense and not being shortsighted.

Best wishes

Answer 2

Be the initiator and hopefully they will follow,

Answer 3

well, do things that make them want to recycle. say you'll do chores or something...

idk,

but yeshhh, im the same way. im even a vegetarian cuz my sis told me that producing beef and stuff is really bad for the environment.

but yeah, convince them,

make a powerpoint just to show how involved in it you are...

its boring to do, but my parents love it.

say that unlike them, you're actually gonna have to deal with it:]

Answer 4

young man you conviction to recycle is comendable in my opinion, I also find it difficult to take the time to recycle. the pace that every one has to go these days with work and home and bills, it is very difficult please dont be dissapointed in your parents just do what your doing because you know its right.

with out making a big issue out of it. set an example by stickin with it and having fun. be creative, a free throught line into can bag for example

good luck, Ill try my self to recycle more thanks to your question  tk

Answer 5

if you really care, then you will really do something.  this is an excellent time for you to learn that no one is going to do something just because you want them to or you think they should.  if you want something to get going, then you are going to have to take the initiative.  then, once others see you doing it and are possibly attracted to that behavior, then they are more prone to join in.  no one likes change, so you have to motivate people to "own their decision."

Answer 6

Take the lead, show them how to do it, organise it for them to make it simple.  If they won't do it, do it yourself, let them see you do it. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink!

Answer 7

Grow a set of balls

Answer 8

How lazy is TOO lazy? haha

my parents were the same way... so make recycling easy... so easy that they don't even know they are doing it.

Near every garbage can in and around the house (I know, it sounds like a lot, but it isn't!) place another wastebasket of some sort for recyclables (we are talking tin cans, soda cans, plastics, newspaper, you name it). Now, the hard part is finding out if you have to separate your recyclables.

It really depends where you live, different counties, cities, and states (and countries even) have different recycling programs. Some require you to separate the cardboard, glass, paper, newspaper, plastics, etc. while others (like in King County in Washington state) collect all recyclables in one fail swoop.

All right, enough said about that... the most important thing about recycling is knowing what is recyclable and what is not. I have included a few websites with more ideas... and recycling do's and don'ts... I would just type them in, but it is sort of overwhelming.

Good Luck... and if that is too much for the parents, tell 'em you want their grandkids to grow up like they did-not worrying about running out of our natural resources. (because my parents sure never worried about that when they were 16.)

Answer 9

Tell them you will bury them with trash when they die if they don't pick it up now and recycle.LOL

No, compromise... pick a couple of things like cans and plastic and you be in charge of taking it to the recycling center or the curb.

It is a good thing you are doing!!!!

Answer 10

I'd say do it yourself, take incentive...

If that doesn't work...then I would say do some research in the area that you live and I can almost guarantee there is some type of law governing recycling. Use those laws as last resort. :)

Answer 11

As long as they are not against what you're doing and all of you live together, then do it on their behalfs. Otherwise, set up different bins/boxes with labels and show them how to do it .Sometimes you need to take the lead on a good course.

Answer 12

i'm a mumy so i'd be very proud of you recycling !!

  half the time people tell me they can't be bothered,lazy more like it !!!  i no longer have a kitchen bin as it was too easy to just put everything in it !!   keep up with nagging it will sink in eventually !!!!