74.Recycling, consumerism

Q1 How do people usually handle the clothes they don't want?

Ans- As I know, most people just throw them out, especially if they're old or damaged beyond repair. And honestly, it makes sense, because if the clothes are really worn out, it's probably not worth donating them. While there are certainly people in need, giving away clothes that are too damaged or dirty isn't really helpful. It's kind of disrespectful. I think it's important to be thoughtful about what we donate and make sure it's something that can actually be useful to someone else. But if the clothes are still in decent shape... I mean there are no rips, tears, or significant damage to the fabric or seams... some people just donate them to charity shops or pass them on to friends or family. Others might sell them online, like on apps or second-hand sites, especially if they're still in good condition or trendy. It's a good way to make a little extra cash and clear out your closet. Then, of course, there are those who just hold on to old clothes they don't wear anymore, thinking they might come back in style, or they'll wear them again someday. But let's be real, that usually doesn't happen.

Q2 Some people think it's a waste to buy too many clothes for children. What do you think?

Ans- I think it really depends on the parents' income. If the family doesn't have a lot of money, and they're always struggling to make ends meet, then buying too many clothes for kids might seem like a waste. Kids grow so fast, and they're always running around, getting dirty. No matter how many clothes you buy, they'll probably end up looking worn out after just a few uses. It's kind of like buying clothes for a short-term need. But, if the family has a good income and buying clothes for the kids doesn't mean sacrificing anything else, then why not? It's nice to have variety in their wardrobe, and it can be fun to take lots of cute photos of the kids in different outfits. It's all about balance. If you can afford it and it doesn't cause any problems, then it's probably fine.

Q3 Why do people buy second-hand clothes?

Ans- There are a few reasons, actually. First off, they're way cheaper than brand-new stuff, which is a big plus for a lot of people, especially if they're on a budget. You can find some pretty cool pieces at a fraction of the price. But it's not just about the price. It's also more eco-friendly. Buying second-hand helps cut down on waste and reduces the demand for fast fashion, which is better for the planet in the long run. Plus, some people love the idea of finding something unique or vintage. You can come across clothes that you just won't find anywhere else, and it can feel like you're discovering a hidden gem. And honestly, it's kind of fun to go thrifting and hunt for that perfect bargain. I think it's a win-win: you get quality clothes for cheap, and you're helping out the environment at the same time.

Q4 Should the government encourage people to recycle items they don't want?

Ans- Of course. Recycling is super important, and the more people who get involved, the better. But to make that happen, we need to make recycling easy and something people actually want to do. And when it comes to making real change, it's the government that has the power, not just activists or other groups. Activists are awesome for raising awareness, but it's the government that can actually create the systems and rules that make a difference. For example, only the government can pass laws that require people to recycle, or set up recycling bins everywhere... in parks, malls, neighborhoods... and enforce penalties for not participating. Also, only the government can run nationwide campaigns over the long term to educate people about why recycling matters. The reason only the government can do this effectively is because it has the resources, authority, and reach to make it happen on a large scale. Plus, they can offer rewards for recycling, like discounts or small cash incentives, which could really get people motivated. And, of course, the government can support recycling businesses, creating jobs and boosting the whole recycling industry. So, yeah, the government is the one that can actually make things happen on a big scale.

Q5 What problems will occur if people don't recycle?

Ans- There are a few big issues that could happen if people stop recycling. First of all, more trash will END UP in landfills, which is a huge problem. Landfills will FILL UP faster, and that means we'll need even more space to store all the waste, which isn't sustainable. Plus, when things decompose in landfills, they release harmful gases, like methane, that contribute to climate change. Another issue is that a lot of materials, like plastic and metal, could just END UP sitting in the environment forever. It takes hundreds of years for plastic to BREAK DOWN, so if we don't recycle it, it could pollute oceans, rivers, and landscapes, harming wildlife in the process. Not recycling also means we're wasting valuable resources. Materials like paper, metal, and glass can be reused, but if we throw them away instead, we need to DIG UP more raw materials, which takes energy and contributes to deforestation and pollution. In the long run, that could lead to resource shortages. So, in short, if we don't recycle, we'll have more waste, more pollution, and we'll USE UP resources faster than we can replenish them.

Q6 How do people in your country recycle various items they don't want?

Ans- In my country, recycling is still not as developed as in some other places. Some people do it, some don't. At home, most of us try to sort our trash at home into different categories like paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste. Most households have separate bins for this, but it's not always consistent across the country. Some places have better systems than others. Once we sort the waste, it's picked up by waste management services, usually once a week. The thing is, what happens after that is not always clear. The sorted materials may get sent to recycling centers, but in some cases, they might just be sent to landfills or burned. There's not always full transparency, so many people don't really know where their sorted waste ends up. In some bigger cities, they're starting to introduce more advanced recycling programs, where people can drop off electronic waste or hazardous materials in designated spots. But overall, it's still not widespread enough, and there's a lot of room for improvement.