recycling (Dallas, Austin, Plano: neighborhood, buy, maintenance)

[KantLockeMeIn]

We recycle our cans.... that's about it. For a different perspective, watch this video. There's plenty of "bad" language, so be forewarned, but it pretty much sums up the feel good hysteria.

Recycling Is Bull****

Also keep in mind that cutting down trees and planting new ones is actually a great way to store carbon within the wood, rather than letting it burn in fires or decompose on the forest floor.

[debtex]

The German government heavily subsidizes solar...that's why it's so prevalent. Not criticizing, just pointing that out.

Our family of 4 generates a big blue bin of recycling weekly...the Dallas program allows a lot of things to be recycled.

But I'm surprised we don't have a "green" bin too...a compost bin. We had them in Los Angeles for all the yard & food waste, and it was great!!

[PlanoGirl]

Originally Posted by debtex

But I'm surprised we don't have a "green" bin too...a compost bin. We had them in Los Angeles for all the yard & food waste, and it was great!!

that would be fantastic!

[PlanoGirl]

Originally Posted by twojciac

We recycle our cans.... that's about it. For a different perspective, watch this video. There's plenty of "bad" language, so be forewarned, but it pretty much sums up the feel good hysteria.

Recycling Is Bull****

I was intrigued...until I saw it was a Penn & Teller vid. They can spin any angle.

[KantLockeMeIn]

I'm puzzled... why wouldn't you just go get one or make one if you want it?

Compost Bin Construction Plans

[KantLockeMeIn]

Originally Posted by PlanoGirl

I was intrigued...until I saw it was a Penn & Teller vid. They can spin any angle.

It's better to dispute the facts than to plainly dismiss. While most people think recycling items such as paper or plastic feels good, there's little reason to feel good about the pollution involved in the process, or the enormous amount of energy consumed in the process.

87% of paper comes from trees that are specifically grown for use in paper. By decreasing demand for non-recycled paper, you are actually decreasing the demand to grow trees in farms which reduces the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.

Metals on the other hand can be recycled efficiently, which is why there's such a high value placed on scrap metals such as copper.

[debtex]

Originally Posted by twojciac

I'm puzzled... why wouldn't you just go get one or make one if you want it?

Compost Bin Construction Plans

I can manage to collect yard waste and food waste, but I'm too lazy (totally admit it) to combine it with the right mix of non-organic waste, let it stew for weeks, then spread it on my garden beds. If the city picks it all up and does all that (as they did in LA), I'm thrilled to pieces. Chances are they'd be able to sell the compost to avid gardeners...

[PurpleLove08]

Originally Posted by PlanoGirl

Or trash to fuel...

Yeah, that's what I meant. Ha ha.

[PlanoGirl]

Originally Posted by debtex

I can manage to collect yard waste and food waste, but I'm too lazy (totally admit it) to combine it with the right mix of non-organic waste, let it stew for weeks, then spread it on my garden beds. If the city picks it all up and does all that (as they did in LA), I'm thrilled to pieces. Chances are they'd be able to sell the compost to avid gardeners...

Actually, Plano does do a portion of this...they collect yard trimmings weekly...which are then used to make mulch, compost, and topsoil...all which are available in bulk or bag to residents (of McKinney, Allen, and Frisco too I believe) at great prices. I bought 2 large truck beds worth if mulch this year for $24!
However, the organic/ food waste element is not collected...that would be awesome though! maybe in the near future

[PlanoGirl]

Oh, and I was also going to say...check with local elementary schools...a lot now are doing a year round recycling collection, especially in those areas whose cities don't recycle everything.