The Myth of Trash
by Mary A. Hebert
What did you throw away today? Where to did you throw it away? As a true testament to our modern society, our landfills are some of our largest manmade creations. Clearly, "away" is not as far as we might like! In truth, nothing leaves the system and we are bound to this reality. Trash, as defined by The New Oxford American Dictionary, (Oxford Press, 2001) is: n. discarded matter, refuse. But I wonder how this matter changes after being discarded. Does it not still retain its inherent value? It is not hard to conceive of a day, not so far in the future, when our descendents re-open the landfills, these mountains of trash, to mine their precious resources. It seems that it is time to re-examine our cultural habits and begin to think anew about the raw materials that pass through our Americans fingers on a daily basis.
For an easy start, we can recognize that paper has, sadly, fallen prey to the misnomer of trash. This renewable resource has simply been mistaken for something that can be tossed aside without thought or consequence. Quite to the contrary, however, the production of virgin paper is adding to our current environmental degradation, which has achieved monstrous proportions. Further loss of forest only quickens the pace of our atmosphere's demise, and the use of oil in paper production adds to our woes. Yet, thankfully, we have the power to transform this devastating situation into a victory for all! Paper recycling is perhaps the easiest way for us to begin a new age of sensibility and resourcefulness. Make a change in your mindset right away. Recognize paper for the gift it is... and can be again! Although the infrastructure may seem to be lacking, paper recycling is alive and well. Never again should it be thrown away, but gathered and harvested so that we may reap its benefits once more! A paper bag is a simple way to separate your paper from other materials you utilize. Talk to your neighbors, talk to your co-workers, talk to your boss, and tell them the good news. Paper is not trash!
As we start to understand the true meaning of this revelation, we can forge ahead to a whole new way of being. We can find solutions to our problems by recognizing the amazing assets that are all around us. There is no need to connect sustainability with a sense of lack, but rather a realization of the prosperity that may be ours in the years to come. Given the intelligence, creativity and ambition of the American people, we can overcome any obstacle and create a world where trash is a thing of the past. Let us begin the trend today and take action to save our beautiful world!
by Mary A. Hebert
What did you throw away today? Where to did you throw it away? As a true testament to our modern society, our landfills are some of our largest manmade creations. Clearly, "away" is not as far as we might like! In truth, nothing leaves the system and we are bound to this reality. Trash, as defined by The New Oxford American Dictionary, (Oxford Press, 2001) is: n. discarded matter, refuse. But I wonder how this matter changes after being discarded. Does it not still retain its inherent value? It is not hard to conceive of a day, not so far in the future, when our descendents re-open the landfills, these mountains of trash, to mine their precious resources. It seems that it is time to re-examine our cultural habits and begin to think anew about the raw materials that pass through our Americans fingers on a daily basis.
For an easy start, we can recognize that paper has, sadly, fallen prey to the misnomer of trash. This renewable resource has simply been mistaken for something that can be tossed aside without thought or consequence. Quite to the contrary, however, the production of virgin paper is adding to our current environmental degradation, which has achieved monstrous proportions. Further loss of forest only quickens the pace of our atmosphere's demise, and the use of oil in paper production adds to our woes. Yet, thankfully, we have the power to transform this devastating situation into a victory for all! Paper recycling is perhaps the easiest way for us to begin a new age of sensibility and resourcefulness. Make a change in your mindset right away. Recognize paper for the gift it is... and can be again! Although the infrastructure may seem to be lacking, paper recycling is alive and well. Never again should it be thrown away, but gathered and harvested so that we may reap its benefits once more! A paper bag is a simple way to separate your paper from other materials you utilize. Talk to your neighbors, talk to your co-workers, talk to your boss, and tell them the good news. Paper is not trash!
As we start to understand the true meaning of this revelation, we can forge ahead to a whole new way of being. We can find solutions to our problems by recognizing the amazing assets that are all around us. There is no need to connect sustainability with a sense of lack, but rather a realization of the prosperity that may be ours in the years to come. Given the intelligence, creativity and ambition of the American people, we can overcome any obstacle and create a world where trash is a thing of the past. Let us begin the trend today and take action to save our beautiful world!
Housing For All Corporation
82 School St, Hyannis, MA 02601
508.771.1470
contact@housingforall.us
82 School St, Hyannis, MA 02601
508.771.1470
contact@housingforall.us
