Proposal: We measure how good we are at being citizens of Earth by how we deal with our "rubbish". Do we consider it a valuable resource to be reused (mature approach, based on understanding planetary cycles), or do we just push it off to Away (childish denial). Current score: Could Do Better...
I'm guilty of the "shove it somewhere else" mindset a lot. Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself that my trash goes to a big smelly building where other people have to process it and pick out things that are dangerous or high value for recycling. My rubbish is a problem for other people before it even hits the landfill. It's humbling, and a bit sad.