Adopting a Recycling Habit

When I first moved to this city, I didn’t pay much attention to recycling. It seemed like just an extra chore, something I didn’t have time for. However, after separating my waste for a few weeks, I realized just how much I was throwing away unnecessarily. If I hadn’t taken the time to understand how the recycling process works here, I wouldn’t have known that so much of my waste could be reused or recycled.

My perspective changed completely. Had I not joined a local recycling initiative, I might never have understood the significant impact each of us can have on reducing waste. It wasn’t until I saw how the city was managing waste and recycling that I truly embraced the idea. Now, it feels like second nature. The more I think about it, the clearer it becomes that our individual efforts can really make a difference. If everyone followed simple practices like recycling, imagine the positive environmental impact. Recycling may seem insignificant at first, but once you get into the habit, it’s clear that it has lasting effects on the environment.

SUMMARIZE SECTION

Summarize the reading in your own words or use the questions to help you explain the main points.

  1. How did the author feel about recycling at first?

  2. How did the author’s perspective on recycling change over time?

  3. How does the author view the role of individual actions like recycling? 

Your Summary: ______________________________

PARAPHRASE THIS POINT

Say this sentence in fewer words.

"Had I not joined a local recycling initiative, I might never have understood the significant impact each of us can have on reducing waste."

Your Sentence: ______________________________

VOCABULARY SECTION

Initiative – A plan or strategy to achieve something.
Example: "The city launched a new initiative to improve recycling efforts."

Your Sentence: ______________________________

Perspective – A particular way of thinking about something.
Example: "Her perspective on the situation changed after hearing both sides of the story."

Your Sentence: ______________________________

Significant – Important or large enough to make an impact.
Example: "There was a significant increase in recycling after the new program was introduced."

Your Sentence: ______________________________

Embrace – To willingly accept something.
Example: "She quickly embraced the new changes at work."

Your Sentence: ______________________________

Effort – The use of physical or mental energy to do something.
Example: "His efforts to recycle every day have made a big difference."

Your Sentence: ______________________________

QUOTE FROM THE READING

  • What helped change the author’s perspective on recycling?

Your Thoughts: ______________________________

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