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We have all heard the phrase "One man's trash is another man's treasure", but how far does this really go? Many of us associate that phrase with garage sales and thrift stores, however it really can go far beyond that.
I came across an article today by Earth911 contributor Melanie Medina call "Businesses Redefine What Waste Is". The article focuses on how businesses are/should be looking at all of their wastes, i.e. cooking oil, waste food, plastic packaging, cardboard, etc. as a commodity instead of an expense, or a pain in the ----.
OK that is business, but what does that have to do with an Ordinary Environmentalist? We are focused on individual ways we can contribute to a healthier environment through small steps, not massive corporate green/sustainability initiatives!
For example, after an aggressive pruning session with my trees and landscape shrubs I had a very large mound of branches and yard waste. Ugh, now what to do!
I took several loads to a local compost site and was amazed at the mountains of compost and mulch they had there! They have been collecting food scrapes from schools, hotels and local businesses, yard waste from contractors and homeowners and create high quality commodities sold to landscape and construction companies. Exactly how the trash/treasure concept works!
And yes it feels good to know that my yard waste didn't end up in a landfill and actually has value to someone!
Here are a few ideas you may not have thought about for turning your trash into treasures:
I came across an article today by Earth911 contributor Melanie Medina call "Businesses Redefine What Waste Is". The article focuses on how businesses are/should be looking at all of their wastes, i.e. cooking oil, waste food, plastic packaging, cardboard, etc. as a commodity instead of an expense, or a pain in the ----.
OK that is business, but what does that have to do with an Ordinary Environmentalist? We are focused on individual ways we can contribute to a healthier environment through small steps, not massive corporate green/sustainability initiatives!
It is simple - think about your waste, that is anything you take outside of your home and off of your yard, as an asset that someone else will find valuable.
For example, after an aggressive pruning session with my trees and landscape shrubs I had a very large mound of branches and yard waste. Ugh, now what to do!
I took several loads to a local compost site and was amazed at the mountains of compost and mulch they had there! They have been collecting food scrapes from schools, hotels and local businesses, yard waste from contractors and homeowners and create high quality commodities sold to landscape and construction companies. Exactly how the trash/treasure concept works!
And yes it feels good to know that my yard waste didn't end up in a landfill and actually has value to someone!
Here are a few ideas you may not have thought about for turning your trash into treasures:
- Worn out athletic shoes - donate to the Nike Reuse-a-Shoe Program at your local store.
- Household paint - give to a first time home owner or creative person to experiment with!
- Coffee grounds - use as a odor neutralizer in your fridge or by the cat litter box.
- Leftover Halloween/Easter/Valentine's day candy - bring it to the office lunch room, and although you many never see who eat the candy, know that it is very much appreciated!
As an Ordinary Environmentalist, look beyond what you can throw in the recycle bin and find out who will see your waste as a treasure!
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