It’s just one of those days when I can’t stop thinking about the Plastic Trash Vortex. I was reading the latest issue of edible Santa Barbara (courtesy of Haley), and got inspired by the article about what can and can not be recycled in Santa Barbara. It’s important to be aware of what can go in that big blue bin, not only because those items are trashed during sorting if they can’t be recycled, but so you can change your buying practices as well. If it takes more time to sort recycling, it costs the city more money, thus jeopardizing recycling programs.
Ugh! That’s so much pressure! Not only do you have to research what products you buy, eat consciously, be energy efficient, etc, you also have to recycle responsibly! Turns out the more convenient this modern life seems, the more byzantine the path to leading a simple, healthy life…
Fortunately, we have the internet! I found this website to be pretty straight forward, but here’s a quick reference list of what you should NOT put in your recycle bin: aerosol cans, any wax coated plastic or paper cartons, styrofoam, pet food bags, paper towels/plates, ceramics, photographs, CDs, and books (excluding phone books). If you don’t live in Los Angeles, just google search recycling + your city name, and familiarize yourself with what can be recycled. Glass and aluminum are all recyclable, for example. Ink cartridges, batteries, appliances, and motor oil shouldn’t go in the collection bin, but they can be recycled! Just look up how to do it, and then do it.
Put down your wine glasses and take a seat before reading: plastic bags are super terrible. (Paper bags are even worse, using more water and energy to produce, and generating more waste than plastic.) Just BYO Bag! Easy. Recycling or returning the plastic bags to the store is great and all, but strictly opposing the use of plastic bags is way better. Make everyone in line who didn’t bring their own bag feel guilty, it’s OK! Maybe practice a disappointed look in your mirror at home, like this:
And if you find yourself overwhelmed to the point of negligence with these practices, just think about the vortex again.
