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Ecosystems require balance to survive, and when that balance is compromised, disaster can fall onto the system as a whole. A healthy ecosystem, like an economic system, calls for competing forces to ultimately work cooperatively in some ways to keep the larger system afloat. There are finite amounts of resources on this single planet, and it is our responsibility as members of a shared global ecosystem to use them efficiently, equitably, and sustainably. In both nature and economics, we observe when a healthy distribution of resources is achieved, systems can not only function, but flourish. The U.S. recycles roughly 34% of its waste. Other countries recycle twice this amount or more, but we've been stuck at this level for two decades. Individuals are a key part in making the recycling system work, because we provide a supply of materials and a demand for new recycled products.