One day I was taking my tiny bag of garbage out to the dumpster and dumping my load of recycling into the recycling bin. As a single person who doesn’t shop much, it takes FOREVER to fill up that huge recycling bin. As I was tossing my tiny bag of garbage I noticed that the dumpster was full of cardboard boxes & newspapers. I sort of felt deflated. What good would my tiny recycling effort do if everybody else was just tossing stuff? Then it occurred to me… there was PLENTY of room in my recycling bin. So I grabbed the newspapers, flattened the boxes, put them in my recycling bin.
I now make a habit of glancing in the dumpster each time I walk by and pulling out anything easily reached that should go in the recycling. I’ve also been known to dumpster dive for the neighbor’s grass clippings & leaves (my garden can always use the extra compost) and I also pull out anything reusable (as long as it’s on top and not gross). If I can’t use it, I put it in a corner of the garage and take it to the local thrift store next time I’m out and about.
At first my neighbors just thought I was totally nuts… but now they’ve started asking me if I want their leaves and grass clippings. I happily say yes and try to make sure that all of the compost contributors get a big basket of tomatoes at harvest time. I’ve even noticed a few of them starting to recycle. Perhaps leading by example can have some effect after all!
This post was submitted by Rebecca.
I always go dumpster diving for items such as cds, stereos,dvds, movies, clothes sneakers food soaps and detergents stationary supplies.
I even share my salvaged items at the local soup kitchen, besides being fun I look at it like my obligation, my niche in life,being on disability iahve plenty of tiem and someoen has to do it, plus it fulfills my stuff needs.
Comment by jillnerkowski — November 30, 2009 @ 11:13 am