This is one of the main reasons I like New York, because by law you have to take care of the things that can be recyclable and place them in color-code trash bags, in certain trash cans.
Too bad there is still people out there who are just too lazy to do it and cities that don't implement it.
Separating trash gives me a little relief that despite all the trash I make some of it is being reused! :)
Long time ago I have taken certain measures to reduce my waste, and it has been just for the best! Simple things like:
- You are going to be thirsty when you go out of your home carry your own water bottle like (a thermos) you'll save money not buying bottle sodas or water, you can lose weight if you refill your thermos on a water fountain :)
- If you really want to buy a drink buy it in a glass bottle or canned (it is most likely that most percentage of these materials will be recycled).
- Walk, ride a bike, use public transportation as much as you can, instead of using a car or a taxi.
- Always carry a tote bag with you. Whatever you buy carry it there. You will get rid of those annoying drawers full of plastic bags.
- When you buy food try to buy it on glass and cardboard containers for the most part.
- Commit to keep what you buy, try not to buy crap that you will get rid of by the end of the week or month...buy QUALITY, good taste, truly green and/or organic useful products, that will last years and years and you won't get tired of.
- Repair what you can
- When you don't want something trade it with friends, neighbors, craigslist, second hand stores etc. Get stuff you need from those places too. Enjoy the satisfaction of a good find!
- Unplug things you don't use all the time, like the TV, Stereo, etc they still suck on energy even turned off.
- Use rechargeable batteries. Change your bulbs for efficient ones and when they die recycle them properly because every single fluorescent light bulb has mercury! (I bet you didn't know that!)
- Keep the lights off if you are not in a room
- If you smoke, try out buying organic tobacco and papers so you will have to roll every single cigarette, you will smoke less because of that. And for God sake don't throw it to a lake, river, sea, puddle, grass, or floor, specially if it has filter (it takes over 10 years to disintegrate).
- Beauty and home cleaning green products cost a little more extra money, but some brands give you money back if you return their own packaging in your next buy.
- Print only what you really need at the office. If possible print in recycled paper. Ink cartridges can be recycled or refilled.
- Buy local produce from community gardens, farmers, etc.
OK these are too many steps, and there are way more things people could do, unfortunately there are people who don't do any at all.
It frustrates me, and I can only see the future of humanity as the airport in the Fifth Element film (people living among trash)
Their first live show with bongos and drums was awesome!
