In the USA people consider recycling a good idea for the most part. But many people who, even if they are ecologically-conscious, feel it’s rather inconvenient to go out of their way separating the trash, and then haul it to a designated pick-up point.
I was among those who felt it was a pain in the neck to separate things and make a separate trip to a recycling depository. I never gave it much thought other than, “What a shame that I’m throwing this away. It could be recycled.” Then I’d throw away whatever it was without another thought…until the next incidence.
Recycling is the law in Germany. I have a friend (who, albeit, is known for stretching / skewing the truth sometimes) who told me that the German trash picker-uppers went through her trash to see who was throwing away recyclables, and they identified her and set her straight. (She must’ve thrown away a bill or something, if she didn’t make that story up.)
It took me a while to get into the habit, but you know what? I love recycling because I no longer feel guilty for throwing away trash. I have three separate bins: Rastmuil (the real oogey trash), Plastic, and Paper. I still haven’t come to the point where I can recycle metals yet, because it’s so noisy to drop that stuff into the bin when it clinks up against each other. I hate that noise. It’s like nails on a chalkboard.
But I’m happy to announce that I’m become a reformed litter gal.
I wonder if the USA has made recycling more convenient lately? I hope so, because when I return to the states a year from now, I want to keep recycling, but it will really suck if I’ll have to go way out of my way to do it.
