We just returned from the midwest, which was just fine and everything. It was Illinois, true to form. One element of it stuck into my soul like a dagger. Sure, I'm spoiled, we live in a progressive city with a very elaborate recycling program. Portland has even just implemented city-wide composting. The fact is that no one we visited in Illinois recycled. I had to consume bottles of water to survive. I was left with the decision to either tote our recyclables around until we found a way to recycle them, or throw them in the trash. What did I do? I threw them in the trash. We had lots of luggage that we were toting every day plus a child. I now regret my decision to submit. The fact is that recycling is so far from convenient that the people don't consider it. Nothing's in it for them. The midwest is full of huge consumers, with so very few of them recycling. There needs to be a movement. There needs to be funding, education, and incentive. This is such bullshit.
2 comments:
It is not surprising at all. I think the Midwesterners don't recycle because they like to have hills of garbage created to break up the flat horizon. We have our own hills on the West Coast, so that is why we recycle!
Leah and I argued on who wrote the post.
Leah read it as Jess
I read it as Josh
4 things:
1. Don't buy bottled water
2. Move to the midwest and help the movement. We need all the help we can get. Yes, it's hard and disgusting! What are you doing to help living in Portland, preaching to the choir?
3. You didn't visit me
4. Seriously Dan? I thought you knew better. It was not that long ago you were a midwesterner too. It must be nice to have others struggle for progress so you can sit back, watch and judge as the rest of us struggle for the same.
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