Proposal: We measure how good we are at being citizens of Earth by how we deal with our "rubbish". Do we consider it a valuable resource to be reused (mature approach, based on understanding planetary cycles), or do we just push it off to Away (childish denial). Current score: Could Do Better...
I'm guilty of the "shove it somewhere else" mindset a lot. Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself that my trash goes to a big smelly building where other people have to process it and pick out things that are dangerous or high value for recycling. My rubbish is a problem for other people before it even hits the landfill. It's humbling, and a bit sad.
On a happier note, I have a stupid joke for you that I came up with when I was a kid.
A man asked me if I could fix a circuit breaker he found in the trash. I suppose I could, but I refuse to re-fuse the refuse.
@helenczerski Does it work? Then I would be one of the best citizens because I nearly have no more normal waste (2023: 9 kg). But I live in France with new waste laws https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-examples/frances-anti-waste-and-circular-economy-law in a region where we have enormous recycling possibilities. What I'm doing badly is in another area.
And what do people do who live elsewhere without our waste minimisation and recycling options?
I've just completed for the second time UCL's Big Plastic Count.
It's demoralising finding out at the end how much of our waste is not recycled when we're told it is.
With that in mind our household tries to buy food and other products only if necessary and with a view to being able to reuse (packaging etc.)
@helenczerski It's also about consuming less, repairing and reusing what we have and potentially upcycling before considering recycling / waste
@helenczerski I get stickers on my bin chastising me because I don't put food waste. I've got a wormery and 3 compost heaps. It's funny that society finds that weird.
@helenczerski politicians has got the market of pollution under siege to self profits, this point release our responsability, i,m not able to handle my rubbish and face rats with weapons ( authorities) at same time.