One of the major problems with climate change is the rise in sea levels, a total of 8 inches on a global average since the mid 19th century. Some nations could disappear if the trend continues, with places like the Maldives, Tuvalu and Kiribati becoming part of the ocean. If the rise continues then places like New Guinea and Papua New Guinea could be underwater by 2020.

The corals are now starting to disappear in the Pacific Islands due to the higher temperature.

Polychlorinated biphenyls were found in food supplies from 1930 until they were banned in the 1970’s, the company responsible was the Monsanto Company who produced several million tons, which ended up in the soil and water as it was given to farmers as a fertilizer. PCB as it was know was used as a pesticide and a insulating oil and lubricant.

In 1993 there was a massive closure of US landfill spaces and there have been hardly any landfills created since to take the growing number of waste volume. Even though recycling rates have increased, so has the rate of general waste.

Increased regulations in the permitting process has been the problem for a lack of new landfills, once landfills were just rubber stamped into creation, but now environmental science has identified the real threat to our water supplies and landfill were the cause.

In the 1970’s plastic replaced glass due to the petroleum crisis and the expense of glass, also there’s no movement in glass, so breaks easily. Throughout the mid 20th century there was nothing wrong with plastic, but now that isn’t the case.

Plastic releases a huge amount of toxic substances when incinerated if there’s no exhaust control which adds to soil and air pollution.

Now some plastics are known to cause problems, like baby feed bottles and containers, so are now being replaced by glass.

Purchasing power is the most strongest force in recycling, if you buy products that are made from recycling. This helps new recycling products emerge like plastic wood, made from plastic bags and old carpets.

You can also buy products that come in recycled packaging and containers. Also use services from green companies like green auto repair centers.

What is the future for recycling? well the short term future should see the recycling rates increase due to the investment in the infrastructure. More towns and cities are going to co-mingled collections and semi automated sorting.

The long term goals is to increase the number of products that are recycled and plastics being the most important, also on the cards is to create even more pure recycled products and to improve efficiency.

The price of energy will probably increase over the next few decades and this will make recycling a more attractive option.