Dylan O'Brien

I agree that we definitely need a better system of education for recycling! We can advocate for initiatives/programs locally if we want to make a change via the system.
On an individual scale, I think the solution is to ask people already in your life how much they know about recyclables, and if they seem interested, talk to them about the different resin codes, etc. I know many environmentally-minded people who get fooled by the cycling arrows on type 6 plastics (I definitely made some mistakes over the years). I think fostering some curiosity and having conversations with friends and people who already share that basic level of trust will have better chances of being seen as a peer rather than condescension from an ivory tower. "To change the minds of many, we must start with the minds of a few."

I've noticed this too! It's difficult at times to be conscious about your own use and recycling while also keeping everything separate. I think a good start would be to start creating covers for garbage cans that shows the types of items that can be recycled there. Also, while it would generate more work in removing the garbage and replacing bags, we could also move away from the two can system and provide a third garbage can, just so that people can throw away recyclables that may not fit in with plastic or cardboard.

There is always something more to learn. Keep up the good work!