Recycling is nonexistent here in Argentina. There are some good reasons for this. Primarily, most of the garbage is biodegradable. It is how they decided to take care of the garbage problem a long time ago, just place most of the products within biodegradable containers. Additionally, they reuse a lot of containers. When you buy a 7Up or a beer from a convenience store or even the supermarket, you can return the glass container once it is consumed and you receive a certain amount of money in return. This system is old, yet very efficient. Plus, everything tastes better in a glass container. Finally, people here do not consume nearly the amount of products or foods as people do in some other countries, therefore the garbage is controlled a little better.
Recently, within the past couple of years, something that has been bothering me is the fact that in Argentina the flimsy plastic containers that are used so commonly around the world have become more utilized. I think they are realizing that they can make a lot of money and can create a lot more products with this type of plastic rather than waiting for the reusable containers. Obviously, the advantage is that there is more available, it is more accessible, and more convenient. However, this is a bother to me because, due to non-recycling system in Argentina, garbage is beginning to become a problem.
Citizens are smart here in Argentina, so they talk often about how a recycling program would be beneficial to the country and even to the economy. “Think about how many people, who may not have a strong education, we can help and keep out of trouble if we have a recycling system,” I have heard way too often here. However, the government does not find this important, or at least not something that needs attention immediately. As an American, I have learned that it is better to prevent something before something worse happens—Argentina has the opportunity to create a strong recycling system before garbage becomes a greater problem. Yet, just like with any type of political official, it is more important to get the majority of the people’s votes, focus on the bigger issues, than try to receive attention for a complex idea and system such as a recycling program. Great. I guess we will have to wait a couple of decades before a recycling program begins. Kind of like the delay in having to wait a decade and a half for cell phones…
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