In this chapter, we will talk about "The Lowest Common Denominator" and "Finding The Lowest Safe Level".
They passed many healthful laws during the last half century. They banned DDT. They regulated phosphate additives. They passed recycling laws.
I am sure things are better. I also see the signs. Things get done when the population is paying attention. Then the gains slide slowly away.
Communities that pass recycling laws can find that the recycled items have become "more expensive trash". Citizens pay more to have it collected separately. There is not much actual reuse.
Worse, the things consumers buy (the way they pack those things) have changed little.
There were some changes right when the laws were passed and consumers were vocal.
As time moved on, the suppliers all watched each other and the markets.
The people that decide what to sell, all looked for the lowest common.
I am very happy to have the recycling laws and the environment restrictions. I am sure they have made things better.
Planting trees is a good idea. It can make things better for everyone. To have the benefit of planting trees, we would need to make it a trend. Something to do and keep doing over lifetimes.