Environment Filth and the Hazards of Not Caring

We could get used to just about anything, I suppose. That is not always a good thing. It can be tempting to become numb to the problems occurring around us in our lives. With all the pressures we face in our economy and society, there seems little time to pay attention to what we do with the soda can or the energy drink bottle after consuming its contents. It can be a step up to make sure it reaches a garbage can.

We know that our living results in our inevitable refuse. We don’t really want to think of this, but it is part of a responsible civilization to have its purification procedures. We do want a clean society, don’t we? Yes, I believe we do. Unfortunately if I do not do my part I am leaving it up to someone else, who is leaving it up to someone else. We barely have the time and money to fill our gas tanks and feed our families. So what’s the big deal?

We have inherited these “use it and throw it away” lifestyles in various degrees, and we’ve come by them honestly. We’ve been preached to from every political mountain top, and driven to shame for practices developed through several generations. Disposable items were a revelation forty years ago. Today the revelations are not the same. We face environmental fallout from the perpetual unrestrained toxins that come from our advanced technology. We do not have the grace of even the small earthworm who produces nitrogen from its waste. Perhaps we need to reach a bit further.

I recently moved back home to California and forgot what it was like to have to pay a CRV (California Refund Value) charge for buying a beverage in a plastic or aluminum container. The price has gone up to $.05 cents for one aluminum can, and $.08 cents for each container of 24 ounces or more. I think twice before throwing a can or bottle away. They add up quickly.

Perhaps we could apply a “BRV” charge to all batteries (rechargeable and non-rechargeable) purchased. This “Battery Refund Value” could be totally reimbursed when the batteries are redeemed at a local recycling center. There are many places to take old, spent batteries. Currently several electronic retail stores will recycle them for us. They could give us a voucher that would be worth cash.

Last night I finished with a set of AA rechargeable batteries I’ve had close to four years. They don’t take a charge anymore. I watched my hand pick up the batteries and automatically begin to toss them in the waste basket. It was unthinking; automatic. I gently pulled my hand back and looked down at them. I do recycle batteries today, but in that instant I saw old behavior. My instant thought was about my own convenience of getting rid of them. Old thinking. Some things change with time, some with practice. I set the batteries down on the table and sat myself down to write this article. We can get better.

POWER YOUR ROAD!