How rising affluence is associated with both more waste and greater recycling.

A consumer society gives more choice and freedom to those who have better financial and social circumstances, who are in a position to consume effectively. Therefore, as people get richer they tend to consume more luxury items rather than necessities. The growth in this consumption may create more waste which in turn leads to more items needing recycling. For example peoples consumer choices are seen to indicate who they are as a person and of their desires with regards to social class, status and fashion ability. This assignment will look at how rising affluence is associated with both more waste and greater recycling.

According to a document published by the EU (2010) cited in Prabhakar (2014, p. 233) on waste management, Higher living standards mean that people are buying a lot more products. Consumers now have more choice, and products are designed to have a shorter lifespan. Th…(short extract)