TODAY’S ECO WAKE-UP CALL: If we recycled all of the newspapers printed in the U.S. on a typical Sunday, we would save 550,000 trees — or about 26 million trees per year. (Source: California Department of Conservation)
In today’s show, America the Green will be discussing why recycling is not a sustainable solution for our country’s waste products. Our guest, Justin Stockdale, the Recycling and Special Projects Manager at Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Agency.
Some questions we asked:
- So Justin, as a Recycling and Special Projects Manager saying recycling is NOT the answer is a pretty bold statement.
- We are all told to recycle, recycle, recycle like good eco boys and girls. If recycling is not a solution, why support it?
- How much energy does it take to recycle? Is it worth it?
- One of the best recycling centers in the country is in Boulder, CO. What makes them shine?
- Tell us the difference between land-fillers and recyclers?
- There’s a new wave of converting our solid waste to energy, tell us more.
- What are the costs involved as compared to a recycling program?
- There’s some cities that are working towards building a “Zero Waste Community”. What’s that?
- Part of “Zero Waste” is holding industry liable for creating less toxic and more efficient products. If we can’t do it in eco-friendly businesses, how can we expect mainstream businesses to?
- How can each of us begin that process right in our own homes?
- Closing Question: What one significant change do we a species need to shift towards to create permanent, positive change in our world?
Next week on America the Green: Margo Covington, a Sustainability Coach, will be showing us how you can create personal sustainability in your life.
Show links
Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Agency
New Mexico Recycling Coalition
Two of the best recycling efforts in US according to Justin:
Intro and Outtro Music:
A special thanks to Kevin Hays for his song “What Survives” off the Kevin Hays Trio CD. PLEASE, if like this music, check him out at KevinHays.com
Without wishing to denigrate opther contributors to the show I thought that the recent porgramme featuring Justin Stockdale was the best I have heard on ATG since I discovered ATG in Jan 2007.
I think the Stockdale prgramme should be a benchmark. Informative - interesting - feet on the ground stuff and not too much circular chat.
Just my two penneth worth (about 10 cents in todays money).
Thank you.
After hearing your podcast today about recycling I want to do something about my
own personal waste management recycling and packaging waste. I live in New
Orleans where there is a real waste problem. Storm dammage for the sake of time
has all been emptied into landfills and pre-Katrina recycling programs have not
been reinstated. While renewable products, paper, cans, bottles, ect… is not
available post Katrina in New Orleans. Apart from hauling my own recycling to the local Whole Foods where they only take bottles and cans, how do I advocate for something to be done in a more widespread way?
The waste in this city is very disconcerning and I want to do
something about it.
Thanks for any suggestions that you may have.
[…] Justin Stockdale’s comments from America the Green Podcast #21 […]
Nobody anywhere can recycle everything. The best you can do is study your waste and decide what you will be able to recycle.
In many cases food and garden waste make up most of household waste. That can be composted.
If you have children, teach them to use paper for handcrafts projects such as constructing fruit bowls with recycled paper. Newspapers can be used to cover your garden if you have hopeless soil, then you build up the soil above the newspapers.