Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Don't Recycle!

As we become more aware of how long it takes for our waste to return to a state found in nature, we come up with new ways to lessen our impact.  We save bottles and office paper from landfills, bring our own bags to the grocery store, and even buy electric vehicles.  Businesses are noticing the trend and creatively adapting more environmentally friendly solutions.  Have you noticed the new reusable, dishwasher-safe containers at KFC?
Sure, the thought's nice, but is it enough?  How likely are fast food consumers to bring their dirty dishes home?  Even if the containers are recycled, recycling typically uses more energy than creating new materials.  Though it can help conserve woodlands in the case of paper products, there is a better solution.  It's a rarely-used, dirty little word.  We all live the way Lloyd Dobler warned us not to:
"I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don't want to do that." 

If we all depend on trade, how can anyone afford to say "less"?  Yet, it's the simplest, cheapest way to save the world.  One way to start?  Less driving.  Some estimates say that up to 40 percent of our driving is within 2 miles of our homes.  Of course it's often inconvenient in very hot or cold weather, with heavy bags, or with children.  However, the world seems to slow down when you walk or bike, and I've begun to notice the sweetness of Macon's brick streets and many parks and have been inspired to sit down with history books to try to figure out who once had the confidence to build such a lovely city.  As a bonus, Newsweek just published a story stating that 45 minutes of walking 3 times a week can improve brain function. 
 In conclusion, you probably should recycle, but try to remember the first parts of the slogan first:  Reduce, Reuse.