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I think you miss that one persons effort if collective done has an impact. So if everyone recycles or lowers their energy use it has impact. However if one person doesn't, that in and of itself won't change the trajectory, however if everyone did it would.

I'm sure there is some kind of name for this.

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Yes - it’s called the tragedy of the commons.

Trying to shame people into using less never solves this problem. It just means there is more available for the shameless. The solution as are either to regulate the commons, or find a better way to meet our needs.

That's true. So take that thought a little further.

How does it happen that everyone, on average, recycles or uses less energy?

In general, by making non recycling or energy use more expensive. This can come from regulation, taxes, social pressure. Technical innovation can also sidestep whole issues by using less energy/materials and/or producing more. Maybe there are a few other paths.

Those things actually make a difference. Focus on them.

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