Apparently, some men think recycling is “gay”

It’s 2019, and we all know the Earth is facing a bleak future. According to a report from National Geographic, we must reach zero carbon emissions by 2030 if we don’t want the temperature to rise and glaciers to melt rapidly. Our waters are polluted and the air is also killing us. Is there still space for us to thrive? Or should we just accept the fact that climate catastrophe is the end of us all?

While most of us are trying to find a way to help the planet recover, fighting this catastrophe is apparently is also a discussion of gender roles. A study from Penn State University found that men are less likely to do environmental friendly acts in the fear of being perceived gay.

Uh, seriously?

The researchers surveyed 960 participants of both sexes to evaluate eco-friendly activities based on how masculine and feminine they seem. The study found that the participants deemed environmentally activities like carrying a reusable grocery bag, turning off the aircon, and recycling as feminine activities. And men wouldn’t want to reduce their masculinity by doing these gender “nonconforming” activities.

“There may be subtle, gender-related consequences when we engage in various pro-environmental behaviors. People may avoid certain behaviors because they are managing the gendered impression they anticipate others will have of them. Or they may be avoided if the behaviors they choose do not match their gender,” Vice quotes lead researcher Janet K. Swim.

This, as Vice pointed out in its article, just a prime example of toxic masculinity. There are people, wildlife, and flora dying all over the world, but here are men worrying about their masculinity. For once, let’s make it clear: Recycling and adhering to sustainable practices don’t make men less of a man. The current state of our climate is far more worrying than damaged masculinity, dear.

Art by Renz Mart Reyes