The Recycling Report
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I’m reading this story and I’m thinking how completely out of touch Mr. Dumke is with reality. If people are upset there is nowhere to put the glass bottle that once contained the salsa they bought, why don’t they make their own salsa? If they’re “frustrated” they have to throw their empty plastic Coke containers in with the rest of the trash, don’t drink Coke. Drink water. Make your own damn sugar water soda pop. The city is not perfect. There are other things about which to write. This, however, is not that big of a deal. —deadfish
[Deadfish’s] comment is a perfect example of why this city has poor progression. The people don’t care! Hell, I just moved here from Seattle (renowned for its recycling system), recycling is in my blood, and now I’m starting not to care! It’s viral apathy. Progression starts within the individual, spreads through community, becomes standard throughout the next of kin, then becomes second nature! Just like anything else that has been hard for the human race to change.
Why did the author fail to mention the trial program going on in Wards 5, 8 and 19 with the private company Recyclebank? This looks promising—they offer citizens reward points for recycling (they put an RFID chip on the carts and weigh them, with specially outfitted trucks, as they pick up the recycling). Those points can be ‘spent’ in an online mall (recyclebank.com) for coupons at grocery stores, retailers, etc. This saves the city money and recycling rates go through the roof (at least they have in most cities that have this program). Would love to hear an update on how it’s going. —Chris R
As ill-advised and as poorly done as it is, Liz Phair’s rapping is confined to exactly one song, “Bollywood,” on her new album. Granted she made a point to lead with “Bollywood” but I don’t think anyone should be under the impression that she will heretofore be filed between Old Dirty Bastard and Q-Tip in the hip-hop section of your local whatever-passes- for-a-record-store these days. —rick