Zero Waste or Can We Really Make a Difference?

Monday, November 30, 2009

Here I am again... reading the New York Times and thinking about change. 'What I do today affects everyone that comes after me' - everyday.  If each of us thought that way more frequently, the more remarkable our individual impacts on others would be.  But today's burning question concerns that ubiquitous international institute - 'the fast food joint'. As I now read in the paper, many varied entities are turning their hands to the processes of recycling.  All across the US, in cities and counties and shops and homes, people are going from recycling to a zero-waste philosophy.  This is brave and forward thinking, although it means more work for the individuals involved.  Are they just selfless goody-two-shoes? No. These are people and agencies that recognize the impact they each make each day, and are willing to admit it - then make an adjustment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Our daily lives are measured by the choices we make, and every one counts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

  I have just taken a job at a very popular 'fast food' joint. The company is known in every town and city of any size across the nation - and it's busy always.  But today, in shocked realization, I recognized that we do not make any allowance for recycling.  Every day massive amounts of mixed food and packaging waste is collected together in the trash bags and thrown into the dumpster behind the store , then never thought of again.  How can I, who needs my job, profess to be a growing 'green' contributor efforting at home to make a difference, when at my job great numbers of pounds of waste are going heedlessly into the stream of unprocessed trash?  Cannot these public-franchise companies be held accountable for the excesses they produce?  Is it possible that in our deference to capitalism in our democratic society, we fear to hold the same standard for all endeavors whether private or public? 

The NYT article, talks of a move from partitioned recycling to total recycling, calling the movement Zero Waste.  How can we achieve our goals if we don't recognize where we are blind or falling short. The national habit of fast food, had been shown to be bad for the waistband and the arteries, so some change came to the food choices offered.  Perhaps it can also be shown that the habits of customers and the practices of the companies have an impact on the land fill and air quality issues as well. Surely everyone who gets their food fast - could also contribute to less waste and greater personal responsibility - enjoying their meal while knowing that when they sort their cup from their food waste, they have helped the air stay a little bit cleaner and the undeveloped lands last a little longer.  If we are to have a bright and healthy future - it's up to each of us to look sharp at what we do to help or harm the community and world around us, and speak up on all concerns that affect both you and me.