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Rethinking Recycling: Why Less Can Be More | Sue Yee Khor | TEDxUKM

We’ve long been told to “reduce, reuse, recycle”—but what if recycling isn’t the solution we thought it was? In this eye-opening talk, Khor Sue Yee, Co-founder and Executive Director of Zero Waste Malaysia, challenges the widespread belief that recycling is the ultimate fix to our waste crisis. With powerful insights and real-world statistics, she reveals the hidden flaws in our current waste systems—like the startling reality that only 9% of plastic waste is truly recycled.But this isn’t a message of despair—it’s a call to action. Khor introduces the principles of zero-waste living and the power of rethinking our habits at the Co-founder and Director, Zero Waste Malaysia In a world consumed by the mantra of "reduce, reuse, recycle," Khor Sue Yee, the co-founder and executive director of Zero Waste Malaysia, is here to challenge the notion that recycling is the ultimate solution to our waste crisis. As the leader of a non-profit organization dedicated to championing zero-waste lifestyles and sustainable development, Khor has witnessed firsthand the limitations and inefficiencies of our current recycling infrastructure. In her upcoming TED Talk, she will peel back the veneer of recycling's perceived perfection, unveiling the stark realities that lie beneath. Khor will delve into how societal conditioning has led us to view recycling as a comprehensive fix, when in reality, it presents an incomplete picture. She'll share eye-opening statistics, such as the fact that only 9% of annual plastic waste is actually recycled, shattering the illusion of recycling's omnipotence. But Khor's message is not one of despair. Instead, she will introduce the transformative power of "Zero Waste" strategies, advocating for a holistic approach that prioritizes waste reduction and reuse over recycling. Empowering the audience, Khor will highlight the crucial role each individual can play by adopting responsible consumption habits and leading by example. Prepare to be inspired as Khor Sue Yee challenges the status quo and invites you to rethink your relationship with waste. This is a TED Talk that will leave you questioning the assumptions you've held and eager to embrace a more This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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