Reducing, reusing and recycling

Sir, – I rarely seek to reduce or reuse but feel morally obliged to recycle. Recycling, as an idea, is pushed harder than reducing or reusing. Recycling fits perfectly into a consumerist society, whereas reducing and reusing stand opposed to that society. Recycling, purportedly acting as a means of protecting the environment, is instead becoming a moral hazard – cleansing our conscience and allowing for greater consumption. – Yours, etc,

JAMES LARKIN,

Dublin 8.