What a shame you did not search a bit further before making your conclusions. I do understand and respect your opinion and I do not want to be rude in any way but there may be more to know and research. Some years ago, I might have had similar opinions but I have read, learned and heard a lot more since then.
e.g.
Do you know how much damage bleached paper does between normal waste when it is burned? Only for that reason alone it makes sense to keep paper seperate. Of course, recycling paper saves trees. We and our childeren will all benefit from clean air.
Recycling plastic, glass, clothing, shoes, etc., etc. does certainly have its benefits.
When talking money, yes, sometimes it costs more to recycle then make a product but….. the damage to our envoironment also has its costs, sooner or later. Furtermore, recycling/re-using saves resources as wood, oil (for plastics) and metallics, etc. With the current oil prices, reclycling plastic might become very profitable, if not already.

Furthermore, this website is mainly for people who like to recycle at home. The energy and resources you mention are not to be found at my home. Only used when I recycle is my own energy and my (spare) time. But… if someone of a company finds a great idea on this website to use on a larger scale, GREAT.

I don’t like to buy things I don’t really need and I also don’t like to dispose what I can still put to good use. And when I dispose items, I like to think that when I’m not a part of the solution, I’m part of the problem.

Oh, and by the way, we’re not (all) hippies. My household: double income, two cars*, dishwasher**, we do wear shoes and normal clothes but we just try to care about the world around us.

* I know it is a bad excuse but mine is mainly just parked in front of our house because I can’t sell it, it used to be my grandfathers car. I use public transportation or walk most of the times, sometimes the car does come in handy, especially as there is a little one underway I think I will be glad I did not sell the car or had it destructed (it’s and old car but as long as it does not cost and drink a lot..) in a little while.
** research shows that the dishwasher saves water and energy, providing you don’t clean everything with warm water and soap. When I clean up after dinner, we’re okay but when my husband does… well, I have to buy new soap quite freqent ;-). So were not there yet and we’re not perfect either (thank god)
We think you just have to save the envoironment and money to the point were it just is not hurting you (from: your money or your life). Doing the dishes by hand just hurts to much for us ;-).

You could use them for drawing lines up the back of your legs like stockings.

Or as an eyebrow pencil

For the authentic vintage look!