Trash.
It’s EVERYWHERE here. And despite passive aggressive attempts through cute Dominican radio and television advertisements, people still chuck all of their debris wherever they decide is a suitable dump spot. In fact, I have conversed on more than one occasion with people here about the problem – often with the conversant nodding in approval and saying how awful it is that people don’t care about their garbage, right before said conversant throws the cake wrapper on the ground.
Sounds horrible right? Well okay it is. But I ask this question: what makes people throw stuff away?
Germ theory? Maybe.
Smell? You would think.
But I think it might be something more…
Americans (5 % of the world’s pop) generate 30 % of the world’s garbage. Who knew right? I mean men drive once or twice a week in disgusting trucks and haul off my non-biodegradable discretions often before I’ve even had my second cup of overpriced Joe. (As Americans, we are incredibly wasteful global citizens, but who cares as long as we are neat about our dirt right?)
I’ve really wondered if the relationship is founded this convenience. I mean, if the trash didn’t magically leave our doorsteps in the US what we would do with the 5 pounds per person we supposedly accumulate per day?
I bet people would throw stuff away if there was enough infrastructure to provide dependable pickup. I mean, honestly, if I had a can full of crap next to my door for over a week with rampant dogs and rain strewing it everywhere while I awaited the truck…. I probably wouldn’t care either.
It costs loads and loads of money to make public spaces neat. True to our capitalistic selves we have made the environment big business in the US. Being green suddenly means that you are a good person. I guess that means the recent college grad (now jobless because of the economy) down the street is suddenly not a good person. You see, being green is awesome, but just like in developing countries, in the US, it will cost ya.
So this brings me to current project contemplation: solid waste management for the barrio. (I’m not getting crazy and attempting to take on all 9,000 citizens in my pueblo…. just my neighborhood). I’m thinking personal trashcans for each house (there are about 100 of them in the barrio). Maybe have kids paint them with earth friendly messages like my friend, Leann, did.
For funding, I am fighting for community buy-in. I am going to setup a sit down with the new mayor sometime soon and talk shop. Obviously, I realize I might have to look for outside support, but I’d rather not.
Any ideas for cheap large trashcans? Know of any orgs interested in grant money for projects like this?
Do yo thing blog readers and letme know.
Is the problem a lack of trash cans, or is it a lack of trash pickup service?
both actually.
I’ve heard of communities purchasing 50 gallon drums and poking holes toward the bottom so no one steals them to use as water cisterns. Also I wonder if one trashcan per household is a bit ambitous… maybe one trashcan within comfortable walking distance from the houses? Like a few every block?