Main content
Why have we become so wasteful?
Previous generations were used to keeping and reusing things, but since the 1950s, we've grown increasingly wasteful. Author Gay Hawkins explains how our attitudes have changed: 'We think it's fine to go out and eat a meal and leave half a binful of polystyrene trays and plastic knives and forks.'
Photo: A takeout pizza and plastic cup Credit: Getty Images
Duration:
More clips from The History of Wastefulness: Today鈥檚 Trash Challenge
-
![]()
The Pacific 'garbage patch': Twice the size of Texas
Duration: 01:54
More clips from The Compass
-
![]()
Meet the Bats of the Europa Hotel
Duration: 02:36
-
![]()
Trieste: Europe's Refugee Frontline
Duration: 03:16
-
![]()
Early education: How play helps us make sense of the world
Duration: 03:06
-
![]()
How a melting permafrost is affecting life in the Arctic
Duration: 02:36
