We Often Deceive Ourselves Into Believing We're Saving the Earth—And That's Completely Fine
Many individuals recycle items that aren’t actually recyclable, thinking they’re making a positive environmental impact. Even if we’re somewhat self-deceptive, recycling still offers mental health advantages.
CloseKaren Cilli is a fact-checker for Verywell Mind with over three decades of experience as a reference librarian and educator.
Essential Insights
- Recycling rates have significantly increased since the 1960s, yet many engage in 'wish-cycling'—recycling uncertain items hoping they’re accepted.
- With just 100 companies responsible for more than 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, there’s ongoing debate about the true value of recycling.
- Nonetheless, recycling may positively influence our mental well-being as we care for the environment.
It’s common to toss a plastic bottle into the recycling bin without hesitation, thinking you’re decluttering and aiding the planet simultaneously—a clear win-win.
However, improper recycling can cause more harm than good. Have you ever recycled something without being certain it’s recyclable, hoping it is? This practice, known as wish-cycling, can have unintended consequences. After collection, workers sort recyclables manually, and non-recyclable items often end up discarded as trash.
If non-recyclable items bypass this sorting, they may disrupt machinery further down the line. For example, plastic bags can entangle equipment or escape into oceans. While plastic bags can be recyclable, it’s best to use specialized recycling programs for them.
Some municipalities have even halted recycling programs, opting to incinerate waste or send it to landfills. Additionally, China, a major importer of recyclables, has ceased accepting most foreign recyclable materials.
As climate change concerns mount, collective anxiety rises. The question remains: is continuing to recycle worth it if it helps alleviate our eco-anxiety, or are we merely fooling ourselves?
Does Recycling Still Make a Difference?
Despite challenges, recycling remains widespread. In 2018, the recycling rate exceeded 32%, with nearly 94 million tons recycled—a sharp rise from under 7% in 1960. Though slightly lower than 2015’s 34.7%, the difference is minimal.
Jared Scherz, PhD, MEd, ACS
Balancing what we give and receive from the world—through actions like composting or recycling—helps us grow emotionally mature, empathetic, and generous. We realize that evolving as humans requires looking beyond ourselves.
— Jared Scherz, PhD, MEd, ACSWhile we recycle extensively, is it truly impactful? Often, items are recycled incorrectly, and sometimes there’s nowhere for recyclables to go. It may boost our mood, but what is the actual effect?
What This Means For You
Feeling climate-related anxiety is normal. Though individual actions alone can’t solve the crisis, continuing to recycle and contribute in any way can support your mental health.
Collective Efforts May Ease Climate AnxietyOur Collective Duty To Earth
The 2017 Carbon Majors Report revealed that just 100 companies accounted for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions over 30 years, prompting questions about the effectiveness of individual eco-actions.
Rick Heede, co-director and co-founder of the Climate Accountability Institute, emphasizes that both corporations and consumers share responsibility: “Fossil fuel producers and large corporations hold the largest emissions share, but they rely on customers who implicitly support emissions by purchasing their carbon-heavy products.”
Heede encourages consumers to become more conscious of product impacts and adjust habits—such as buying local, reducing fossil fuel use, or choosing greener transportation.
Why Maintaining Motivation in Climate Action Is ChallengingThe Mental Health Benefits of Recycling
Besides environmental benefits, recycling and personal eco-activism can enhance mental well-being. While holding corporations accountable is vital, starting with personal actions can improve how we feel.
Research shows that nature exposure positively affects mental health, whereas climate change induces stress. Simple acts like recycling, walking instead of driving, or joining climate groups offer a sense of control.
Rick Heede, co-director and co-founder of the Climate Accountability Institute
Large fossil fuel companies bear the greatest emissions responsibility, yet their existence depends on consumers who indirectly endorse these emissions by purchasing their products.
— Rick Heede, co-director and co-founder of the Climate Accountability InstituteEcotherapy—spending time in green spaces—has proven benefits for reducing stress and improving mental health. While recycling isn’t the same, it fosters a connection with nature and environmental stewardship.
Clinical psychologist Jared Scherz, PhD, MEd, ACS, explains, “Our happiness is influenced by relationships with ourselves, others, and the world.”
“Engaging in giving and receiving with the environment through activities like composting or recycling nurtures maturity, empathy, and generosity. It reminds us to transcend self-interest and grow as humans.”
Dr. Scherz adds that caring for the planet allows it to sustain us, fostering harmony and inner peace.
Climate change impacts global mental health both through environmental shifts and anxiety about the future. Even if our contributions seem small or symbolic, they can provide emotional relief. Perhaps we are deceiving ourselves about the scale of our impact, but if it supports our mental health, is that truly a problem?
Ultimately, recycling a plastic bottle or cardboard may not revolutionize the world, but it’s better than inaction. Just ensure items are properly recyclable. As Heede notes, “Recycling aluminum cans is a start, but there’s much more we can do.”
Collective Actions Can Alleviate Climate Anxiety Read more:- Trending
- Mental Health Updates
United States Environmental Protection Agency. National overview: Facts and figures on materials, wastes and recycling.
Tillmann S, Tobin D, Avison W, Gilliland J. Mental health benefits of interactions with nature in children and teenagers: A systematic review. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2018;72(10):958-966. doi:10.1136/jech-2018-210436
Ibes D, Hirama I, Schuyler C. Greenspace ecotherapy interventions: The stress-reduction potential of green micro-breaks integrating nature connection and mind-body skills. Ecopsychology. 2018;10(3):137-150. doi:10.1089/eco.2018.0024
Charlson F, Ali S, Benmarhnia T, et al. Climate change and mental health: A scoping review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(9):4486. doi:10.3390/ijerph18094486
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