Trash Talk

by Dave and Lillian Brummet

The Valuable Individual

How can we, as individuals, participate in waste management? Because some of us are so overwhelmed with Earth's problems, we might feel that our contributions have no real consequence in the end. For others, social barriers can be an issue. A lady we once knew confessed that she did not want to be seen buying used items or being concerned with power use. She was worried people would see her as cheap--a scrooge--when her family was so affluent. Yet, she was very careful to be seen with recycling bins out on the curb on pick-up day, because that was viewed as socially positive. Now is a good time to put an end to these negative thoughts and feelings of false pride. Waste reduction is not about ego--it is about the health of the planet and of our nation.

Communities would be wise to look at Nova Scotia's waste reduction success and try to emulate it in their area. With the highest waste reduction rates in Canada, Nova Scotia has reduced landfill contributions by 46%--saving about $31 million per year--simply by making the most of the organic and recyclable materials. Curbside recycling service (known as "Blue Box") is available to 99% of its residents and 76% now enjoy curbside organic service ("Green Box").

With better management of organic and recyclable waste, we will find we do not have to put the trash out as often because the odors and volume are greatly decreased. As a fiscal incentive, many garbage collection companies offer discounts to homes with reduced waste.

We can also help the waste management industry run more efficiently. For instance, when only full garbage bags and Blue or Green boxes are put out on the curb, the garbage truck does not have to stop as often and burn fossil fuels inefficiently while idling. (Incidentally, vehicle idling is responsible for 3% of the air pollution problem.) Similarly, by collapsing boxes before recycling we are ensuring that space is used more efficiently, thereby reducing the number of bins needed for transporting materials.

Recycling, alone, has a huge impact on the environment. A study of a 100-unit apartment building practicing maximum recycling found it would save 22 thirty-foot trees, 27 cubic yards of landfill space, 8,000 kilowatts of electricity, and 77 pounds of air pollution in just one year!

So you see, these seemingly small choices and efforts towards waste management really do make a difference.

Reduce Waste this Christmas

Christmas is responsible for more waste and consumption than any other holiday. A typical North American's trash increases by 25% over Christmas--which equates to 25 million extra tons of garbage going to the landfill. By recognizing the incredible waste that is generated, the urgency to do something becomes apparent. A truly useful or environment friendly gift is a better ecological choice. Here is a brief list of holiday ideas to inspire you.

* Gifts for the homeowner: A thermostat control that automatically turns the heat down at night. A low flow shower head attachment. A draft cozy (placed in front of doors to prevent drafts) and tubes of caulking or weather stripping. Dimmer switches or compact fluorescent bulbs. Hot water tank and hot water pipe insulation kits.

* Gifts for the gardener: A subscription to an organic gardening magazine or a membership to a seed organization. Bird, bat, and butterfly houses, baths and feeders--or simply the patterns to build them. A composting worm bin or a membership with an environmental group.

* Gifts that support local businesses: Tickets to a performance. Gift certificates for restaurants or services such as lawn care, diapers, cleaning, music lessons, dance classes, tune-ups, or tire rotation services.

* Dehydrated, canned or preserved foods make excellent gifts. Frozen dishes are treasured by those that find cooking tasks cumbersome.

* Brazil or cashew nuts, as they promote a living tropical rainforest.

* Books (e.g. our book, Trash Talk!).

* A reusable coffee filter and whole organic coffee beans.

* If you choose to purchase electronics, consider those powered by solar or rechargeable batteries.

* For holiday photo memories, using a digital camera and getting pictures put on CD's reduces chemicals, paper and cost. Choosing 36 exposure film rolls reduces packaging and waste.

* Consider a live tree. At the end of the season, donate it to individuals, the city, schools or parks. Plant it in your own yard for privacy, shade or erosion control.

Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet based on the concept of their new book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment, which offers useful solutions to reduce waste and better manage resources www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit. The Brummets reside in British Columbia.