When I write about Europe, I always struggle to know how much background information to include. I know that many people who read this have spent time in Europe or are living in Europe. But there are also many who have never been to Europe or maybe only on a short trip. (It sure sounds like I have a lot of readers, doesn't it?) So I've decided that I will include background info and hope that it doesn't get too boring for those of you in the know. Now, let's move on.
Europe seems to be much more environmentally aware than the U.S. Maybe it's because land is at such a premium in Europe. Whatever the reason, recycling is a common part of life in Europe. And it's no different in Vienna. When I take the garbage out, this is what I see --
The one on the end is for things that you might throw into a mulch pile -- food, grass, etc. The next two (with red lids) are for "old paper" -- newspaper, cardboard boxes, envelopes, paper sacks, etc. The the other one is for "everything else." But don't let the "everything else" fool you, but it's not really for everything. Take a little walk down the street and you'll see this --
The first picture is the recycling container for glass bottle -- white (clear) and colored (green or brown). The next picture shows a container for metal things -- cans, foil, etc. -- and a container for plastic bottles. I'm not sure why these are not with the other trash containers. In addition, some bottles (and maybe glass jars) should be returned to the grocery store for a refund.
And I can't leave this out. This is a picture of the box that contains the beverage cartons (and a few outside of the box so you can see what they look like). Twice a month you place this box outside the front of the apartment where it is picked up for recycling.
Now you're probably thinking to yourself, "Is she kidding with all of this 'I heart' stuff. How could someone love all that extra work?" Well, to tell the truth, it is a bit of a chore. But I've been thinking a lot about the state of the environment and what I can do to decrease my footprint. Like a lot of people, I'm starting to realize that if we don't make some changes in our daily habits we are going to create some big problems for our children. And I want to make changes. I really appreciate that the city has made it easier for me to make this change by fostering an environment that promotes recycling and by providing the means for recycling. So even though it's a little extra work, I love Vienna because it makes recycling easier.
P.S., Sorry for the poor picture quality. It was starting to get dark, so I had to use a flash. Plus, I was trying to go unnoticed, so I snapped the picture quickly then moved on. But come on, folks, how inconspicuous can you be taking photos of trash containers! See the things I do for you, dear reader.
3 comments:
It is nice how Europe makes recycling easier, it is sad though that once you get back to the states, no matter how much in the habit you are of recycling it is just to difficult to do it. Though it isn't horrible in NY I do get 5 cents for every can and 15 for every bottle. But they only give me a little blue box for my recyling goods, I use much more things that could be recyled than what will fit in the little blue box.
It is a shame that most places in the U.S. don't make it easier to recycle. But even in the U.S., I think it's worth the effort. Maybe you can get two blue boxes.
That looks a little confusing!
Post a Comment