Categories: Quick Tips

Speak up about Recycling: Friday Quickie

Ever get frustrated when you see a water bottle (the horror!) in your friends trash can? This is pretty much my nightmare.

I’ve come to relax my enviro-nazi tactics and try not to over-preach my green gospel. But I did a social experiment at work when I noticed the kitchen trashcan overfilling with recyclable goods.

Here’s what I did: I simply placed 1 piece of paper above the trash and recycling bin saying what can be recycled and what can’t (should be trash). I kept it short & simple and did this without making a fuss.

Without official scales or numbers, I’ve noticed the office waste has converted from an overflowing trash to an overflowing recycling bin. I think my experiment worked!

The takeaway?

Often, people would take the easy route. But a reminder every so often can go far. And those close in your life? Feel free to give a not-so-subtle hint. I announce “recycling violation” when I find an empty TP roll or shampoo violation at my parents house in the bathroom trash. (But it does work… eventually.)

Need to know what you can recycle in Philly? Check the Streets Department list of what you can & can’t recycle. Odder items are covered in our Where Can I Wednesday column.

 

Photo: Uncommon Goods

 

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Share
Published by
Julie Hancher
Tags: Quick Tips

Recent Posts

New park renovations, SBN Director steps down, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Newly renovated playground and basketball court in Port…

11 hours ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Office of Sustainability?

If you have ever wondered what this city office does, we have you covered. The…

1 day ago

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

1 week ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

1 week ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

1 week ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

2 weeks ago