I returned recently from a fantastic, relaxing trip overseas and was amazed to see how "advanced" our methods of recycling are. Please don't let my observations diminish the beauty, tranquility and hospitality that abounds in the following countries. This is purely about recycling:
Examples:
In the Netherlands almost everything ends up in the household garbage except for drink bottles that can be returned to the grocery store, for a refund. Interestingly, there are several golf courses and green spaces built on reclaimed garbage dumps. So these areas don't literally go to waste.
In Spain where we stayed along the Costa Blanca, everything goes into the garbage and then gets thrown into a metal dumpster. Whether it gets separated on the other end is anyone's guess, however this would be easier if done at the source. There were some bottle and paper disposal containers for use by cafe's, restaurants and bars.
In England, specifically Bristol and Wimbledon, recycling was a little more important where bottles and cans can be returned and paper is set roadside and picked up. The day we left Bristol, recycling officers were making their rounds and taking notes of individuals' recyclables, which my sister said was unusual. Maybe they were doing this for my benefit!
It's become a habit in our household here in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, to separate everything and throw as little as possible into the black bag. We've obviously got a long way to go in terms of recycling anything with a symbol of '3' or more and we need to continue to find new ways to reduce our waste.
So let's all do our part: reduce, re-use and recycle. And encourage our powers-that-be to cut down on the burning of coal for power and resort to wind, solar and water.
Friday, July 31, 2009
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