As I See It

One day I could not take it anymore. I had to do something. Maybe it was seeing WALL-E for a third time, or maybe it was watching the trash bins overflow with recyclable materials while I touted my greenness, that pushed me over the edge. I examined the amount of time I spend at my job in comparison to the amount of time I am home where I am devoted to the habits of recycling. I am at my office considerably more, throwing away bottles, paper, cardboard, etc. So, I decided, why not do something about it?

Now, this was easier said than done. The first few days I wrote a little sign up that said “PLEASE RECYCLE”, stuck it to a cardboard box and planted the box conspicuously in the break room. I searched the office for recyclables, threw them in the box, and went about my day. But I was the only one doing it. Sure the box filled up, however, that was due to my rampant searching and not the efforts of my coworkers. This annoyed me, but, I thought, “OK, maybe if I make a more serious effort they will take notice.”

I went out that evening and purchased (with my own money) a trashcan and some recycled garbage bags. I took it in the next day, printed a detailed sign of the kind of materials that can be recycled, and set it up on top of our dishwasher where everyone could see it. OK, round two was now in effect. Some of my coworkers seemed enthusiastic about this new option. Talking really big about how much they recycle at home, and how important it is. I was understandably skeptical, but hopeful nonetheless.

The end of the day came, and, for the most part, the bin was full. Now, I had followed people around telling them “that cup is recyclable”, “don’t drop that bottle in the trash”, “seriously, you’re throwing away paper?”. However, they had eventually gotten the idea. So, I was standing in the kitchen, washing out the coffee pots and talking to the Office Manager about recycling, when her daughter entered (who also works here), dropped her can in the trash and kind of gave me a sideways glance. For the most part, she is an OK person. I even have on occasion enjoyed talking to her. This, however was not one of those times.

She asked me why I was “doing this recycling thing”. I told her that it was something that was important to be conscious of and that everyone can make a difference, even if it was a small one. She kind of laughed and responded, “Well, you’re just one person, you can’t make it better.” She walked off. I fumed, shoved the coffee pots back in the coffeemaker, and pulled her can out of the trash.

I wasn’t mad simply because she was deliberately trying to spite me, or that she was that selfish and stubborn. I was frustrated by the ignorance in her statement. I was surprised someone could be that sure and also be that wrong.

One reason for this global epidemic, and the sudden push for people to conserve, reuse, is a result of the notion that ONE person has no affect. If every ONE person did their part to leave a greener stamp on the world, we would see a difference.

I know that the earth is perishing around us. It is not destined to get better, but I do not see the purpose in being wasteful with what we have left either. I may never be able to change the mind of that girl, and I will not kill myself trying, it is her loss that she can’t comprehend why I am doing this “recycling thing”. But to say your effort doesn’t matter really isn’t any different than to say your vote doesn’t count. It isn’t about peace and love; I’m not a hippie. But I love God’s creation because it is his. I hate seeing the beauty of his design vanish as a casualty of progress.

Be the change, one person at a time. I will keep trying with my office, talking about it to anyone who asks, and searching for newer, cheaper and better ways to live a little greener. Start small, that is the best kind of beginning.

Here is a link to the City of Denton recycling website: City of Denton. It gives info about what kinds of things you can recycle, as well as tips and links to some programs the city provides such as toxic waste removal (household cleaners, detergents, etc.).