In a world where recycling is praised as the green hero destined to save our planet, it's surprising that some people still treat recyclables like landfill material. Some seem to think that placing an empty cooldrink can in the right bin is harder than slaying a dragon! We've put together a light-hearted list of reasons why some find recycling as challenging as solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. So grab a snack (preferably one not wrapped in plastic) and explore this amusing side of human behaviour.

1. The "I Can’t Remember What Goes Where!" Excuse

You can almost hear the rusty gears creaking as they stand there, gazing at the bin like it's a mysterious artefact. Can I toss this plastic thingy in here, or will it not be accepted? Many people use the excuse of "waste ignorance," lulled by the mistaken belief that "someone else" will sort their recycling. Instead of playing memory games, why not slap a cheat sheet on your fridge? Fun fact: about 65% of recyclable items end up in the landfill by "mistake". A trusty guide or cheat sheet could help you remember what to include in your recycling and save the day! Visit Wise Owl Lifestyle regularly to stay informed about what items can be recycled.

2. The "Storing Recycling Takes Up Too Much Space" Excuse

Space is the go-to scapegoat for all our clutter crimes. In today's world of minimalism, clutter is seen as that one party guest who just won't leave. Who wants to play a nerve-wracking game of Jenga with empty bottles and cans? Instead of letting your recyclables turn your kitchen into a wobbly skyscraper, why not splurge on a cool recycling bin that matches the style of your kitchen? A snazzy container can keep your kitchen looking sharp and help Mother Earth at the same time.

3. The "I’m Too Busy" Excuse

If there were a prize for the most occupied person, this individual would undoubtedly win. Balancing work, social activities, and Netflix marathons, they find incorporating recycling into their routine overwhelming! However, let's be honest: taking a moment during a commercial to sort recyclables isn't as challenging as resisting the temptation to press the "next episode" button. Every effort matters; it doesn't have to take long!

4. The " I Just Don’t Care" Excuse

Oh, look who's back! It's the classic "who cares about the planet?" mindset, making its grand entrance once more. For some people, recycling is as appealing as a root canal, and they'd rather relax in their cosy pyjamas than deal with a mountain of recyclables. Feeling like you’re just a drop in the ocean? Well, guess what? Recycling can shrink waste like magic! For every ton of paper recycled, you save 17 trees, yes, 17! So even your small, pyjama-clad efforts can make a big splash!

5, The "It’s All Going to End Up in a Landfill" Excuse

Brace yourselves for the melodramatic sceptic! You know the type. They're the ones complaining about recycling, convinced that after all the effort to sort out recyclables from the landfill junk, it all just ends up in a landfill anyway. Sure, not every scrap gets a second life, but hold onto your compost bins! Statistics show that a jaw-dropping 75% of waste can be recycled like a champ! So why give up when tiny efforts can lead to colossal changes? Each small act of recycling serves as a protective measure for our planet.

6. The "I'm Only One Person" Excuse

Many folks feel like their recycling is just a drop in the ocean compared to the giant monsters of pollution and climate change. It's like bringing a spoon to a soup kitchen when the problem is a five-course buffet of waste! Recycling systems can be confusing, and media reports of failures can be discouraging. However, take heart, small actions can significantly reduce raw material use, save energy, and prevent landfills from overflowing. Sure, your solo efforts might seem like a one-person band, but they can motivate an entire orchestra of community responsibility and drive significant environmental change through collective action.

7. The "Can’t I Just Put It All in One Bin" Excuse

The idea that you can toss all your trash into one bin and call it a day is pretty tempting. Some folks think sorting recyclables is a hassle and would rather take the easy route, even if it means giving Mother Earth a bit of a headache. This lazy genius method works perfectly if you've got a recycling service to do the dirty work for you. Just make sure your wallet is ready for a workout, because outsourcing your recycling isn't exactly a budget-friendly hobby!

8. The "It Smells Gross" Excuse

The terror of stinky smells is a mighty force! Just try composting your veggie bits and food scraps, and you'll see. Tackling last week’s leftovers can turn even the bravest into squeamish. Imagine someone saying, “I’d rather hold my nose than face a funky yoghurt!” Here’s a clever trick: grab an airtight bokashi composting bin to trap those odours. It's a tiny price to pay for a fresher planet!

9. The "I Keep Forgetting" Excuse

Amidst the chaos of life, it's no shocker that some folks forget the recycling bin is a thing. They might forget their own birthday, yet somehow, they still remember to lock the front door. Here's a handy tip: set a daily reminder on your phone. That little nudge might just transform you into a recycling superhero faster than you can say "empty jam jar!"

10. The "I'm unsure where to take my recycling." Excuse

Uncertainty about where to drop off recyclables is a major headache for eco-warriors. Figuring out where to dispose of plastics, glass, paper, and metals can be confusing. Without clear signs or information, it's easy to get lost on the path to eco-friendliness. This confusion might lead some to give up, which isn't good for our planet-saving efforts. Municipalities and organisations need to provide clear information to help residents find the nearest recycling drop-off. Google can often assist you in this endeavour. If you live in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, you can visit Wise Owl Lifestyle at www.wiseowllifestyle.com to find a drop-off point near you.

Take action and keep recycling, because the Earth can't save itself!