M2: L4: Discussion on Recyling Matters? (D-04)
? Instructions
Respond to each of the following questions. You will need to write at least 2 paragraphs, one for each question. When you are done posting your response, reply to at least one classmate in no fewer than 75 words.
1. Some students interpret Heglar’s essay, “I Work in the Environmental Movement: I Don’t Care If You Recycle” as, “There’s no use in recycling (or changing light bulbs, or installing solar panels, or adopting a vegan diet). There’s not much the individual can do.” But is that Heglar’s point? What is the basic argument that Heglar makes in her article? Write a one-paragraph summary of at least 100 words that explains her argument. You need to read to the end of the article to really understand her main idea. It is not what the title implies. 
2. Do you agree, disagree, or both agree and disagree with Heglar’s point? Write a one-paragraph argument of at least 100 words that explains your answer to this question. 
Here are some examples of student responses to help guide your thinking: 
Elsa:
1. The basic argument that Heglar is making is that everyone should be involved in preventing climate change. Whether people do small things or large things, the author wants to show their point on how they wanted everyone to try to make a change. The author also points out that even though small changes do help in some ways, these changes will still not solve the climate crisis we have now in our hands. We must fight against the government and il companies on the topic of using too many fossil fuels. The author shows that these oil companies and governments are giving the fact that they are the issue by stating that we must make those individual changes as if it is all our individual fault. 
2. I completely agree with Heglar’s statements. The issue of the environment has been one that has been discussed by various people without a real big change happening. I believe that a huge movement needs to be started and people must fight against the government and oil companies. I agreed with Heglar when they stated that it is important for the U.S. as the largest emission-producing country in the world to work very hard to lower the pollution for other countries that might get the worst after-effects of this. I loved the author’s thoughts that stated that each individual needs to do some type of change to spark a movement against those oil companies and the government to make a significant change for our future.
Maria:
Hi Elsa. I agree that while changes like switching light bulbs and using fewer plastic bags are simple but helpful contributions, you can strive to make bigger changes in your own time. However, both changes are difficult when so many essential services, like transportation and power, depend on fossil fuels. On the other hand, we should not give up on making those everyday contributions like using CFL light bulbs or using reusable bags for groceries. 
I agree with both you and Helglar. Making environmentally friendlier choices is never a bad decision. However, it is unrealistic to think that we can force ourselves to solve global warming on our own, especially when the damage we are supposed to fix is not coming from us individuals in the first place. If the most damage is coming from a handful of corporations as Heglar says, then those corporations need to be held accountable for those actions, as does our government.