Where I live, no one comes to collect the waste. There is no rubbish truck that picks up the waste once every fortnight or once a week. No trash pick up for us. So those who have to take care of their own waste had better think carefully about what they buy and also about the amount of waste they are left with.
It is shocking how much box, plastic and paper and other material is wasted on packing or sending something. Most of the separated waste cannot even be reused.
Dirty paper, for example, does not belong in the waste paper container and neither does paper containing plastic. Can a can with plastic on the inside be put in the can container? Did you know that a lot of plastic can't even be reused and how much energy does that cost?
A few weeks ago, I read the question: Can we live without plastic?
My answer is yes, because when I was young, there wasn't nearly as much plastic. My parents and grandparents grew up without plastic so the question is: who are the biggest polluters? Who are all those people who don't think before they buy?
For years, I haven't bought cucumbers wrapped in plastic. My cucumber plants have all died. Only 1 small cucumber this season was the result of 11 plants. Fortunately, there is life without cucumbers and there is life without plastic. Those who can't live without plastic might want to consider buying a better quality, something that will last for generations, and take a look at the second-hand stuff. Everything we buy can be reused. Maybe you can make someone else happy with what you bought or got? Maybe minimalist living enriches our spirit because we are happy and finally start to appreciate and cherish the few things we have.
I still have a lot to tidy up. I want to do this because an empty house is easier to keep clean but also because I have a small house and having less stuff not only creates space but also quiets my mind.
It may take a while before this is done because, as I wrote, I have to take care of my own rubbish. For everything that can still be used, I am looking for a destination. Nothing that I no longer need goes on the rubbish heap.
Do you have any idea how much money you spend on things that are unused or broken? Any idea how much work, time, material there is in what is thrown away? Can we really not make anyone else happy before we create the next rubbish heap or transport ships full of waste to other countries?
I am curious to know what your life would be like if nobody came to collect your waste anymore. Will you continue to buy everything, will you throw your rubbish bags at the neighbours, will you burn your own waste or will you make sure you have nothing left because otherwise you have to share your living space with hundreds of rats and other vermin?
It is nice when the trash pick up is arranged, but what if nobody does it anymore or there is a limit to the amount you can hand in?
Prompt used: trash pick up