I've heard only something like 6% of the plastic bags are actually recyclable. Many of these bags end up wandering in the environment and they found plenty in the stomach of whales, turtles and birds that choke eating them. They are also ugly and get stuck everywhere on trees etc. That's why I'm considering seriously a very compact when folded but large when unfolded bag so that I can be encouraged to carry it like next time I go to the convenience store and the like. As for the tents, I think they loose their waterproof/breathable qualities after a couple of years. For the computers, mine is 8 years old but I'll have to buy a new one sooner or later. When my monitor dies, I bring it to a store where they specialize in monitor recycling and I get a new one used for $40 and I'm happy with that. I don't put them on the side of the road because those things are full of lead inside. Maybe the new LCDs are more environment friendly, I don't know.