Activity 3 Information Literacy

There are a lot of sites that offer information about recycling. My first find provided several tips for how to begin a curbside recycling program. The information within this site gives many practical ideas about how to start up a recycling program. Other sites that I found of interest were created by cities who already participate in a recycling program, colleges and universities, and environmental agencies or groups.
Most groups do seem to have an agenda, these individuals and groups want to provide information to help people see the importance of recycling. They have done this by providing information about what goes on when we don’t recycle (An aluminum can, can sit around for 500 years!) and what we can do, individually, to help.
In this initial search I found universities, political groups, environmental groups and concerned citizens who had put together research about recycling, with funding coming from those same groups.
A lot of facts were given about the need for recycling and the detriment to our environment when garbage is thrown away. There were also lots of announcements about starting new recycling programs and how to encourage participation and knowledge within these programs.
"Curbside Recycling - Earth911.com." Earth911.com - Find Recycling Centers and Learn How To Recycle. 30 Mar. 2009
"Recycling Facts - A Recycling Revolution." Ask.com Search Engine - Better Web Search. 30 Mar.
In comparing my search with the search about cell phone use I found that we followed some similar patterns. We began by looking for related information and from there, accurate and viable information. The difference I found was that the cell phone research was being done to discredit something they had found on the internet/T.V., while my topic seemed a little more grounded. Most people realize that there is a valid need for recycling.
The cell phone researcher found information through YouTube, CNN, and snopes.com. After finding this information she still had questions about health issues that might arise from cell phone use and the “safety” of radio waves.