Trash or treasure: recycling narratives and reducing political polarisation

Abstract Recycling is an increasingly important tool in global and national efforts for sustainability. Yet, particularly in the United States, there remains disconnect between those who view recycling as a necessity and those who see it as a waste: many conservatives do not support recycling activities, while many liberals do. However, recycling can be framed in language that draws support from both conservatives and liberals. Data from a survey sample of 429 individuals shows that conservative frames of recycling are supported by both conservatives and liberals, whereas liberal frames are supported only by liberals. Similarly 'duty-based' citizenship frames are supported by both duty-based and engaged citizens, while 'engaged' citizenship frames are supported mainly by engaged citizens. The implications for researchers, educators, administrators, and others involved in recycling are detailed. Keywords: recyclingframingenvironmental policypolitical polarisationcitizenshipNarrative Policy Framework Acknowledgements Disclaimer: Although the information in this document has been funded wholly or in part by the US Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement # NE-96090201-0 to Idaho State University, it may not necessarily reflect the views of the Agency and no official endorsement should be inferred.