Garbage Dumping in Space

The Today Show had a news item this morning that the space station is "taking out the trash." That means they dump their garbage into space. One of the items mentioned was an ammonia tank.

Who do we think we are to be dumping our trash into space? Have we learned no respect for God's creation? Why would we not bring our space garbage back to earth for disposal? The space shuttle hauls equipment up to space. Why could it not bring the trash back?

Every once in awhile, I read reports from N.A.S.A. that they are concerned about space junk. Even small items can orbit for years and pose a hazard to our satellites and shuttles. Why then would the same agency allow garbage dumping in space?

In many national parks and forests, hikers and campers are expected to carry out their trash. Is it too much to expect the federal government to practice what it preaches? Environmentalists, where are you on this issue?