Final answer:
D. People in the United States have a higher standard of living than Japan and Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factor that does not contribute to the difference in waste generation between the United States, Japan, and Europe is D. People in the United States have a higher standard of living than Japan and Europe.
While it is true that people in the United States do have a higher standard of living, this does not directly impact waste generation. The primary factors that contribute to the difference include:
- The United States collection and dumping processes mix and crush everything together so separation is not possible. This inefficient process prevents effective recycling and waste reduction.
- Japan is an island with limited space. Due to their limited space, Japan is motivated to minimize waste generation and maximize recycling efforts.
- There is a high rate of recycling by people in Japan and Europe. Both Japan and Europe prioritize recycling and have robust infrastructure to support recycling efforts.