There are some logical reasons for trash lying on the streets. In an ideal world, all trash would be placed in an out of the way location where we didn’t have to see it. It stinks, it is unsightly, it is unhygienic, and it reminds us of our disproportional consumption. However, there are some advantages to having trash on the street. It is, in fact, an important prop on the theater of the street. The shop owner takes it out, often several bags of it, to the edge of the sidewalk or the back alleys. Over the course of the day homeless people rummage through it for bottles, cans, or other potential reusable items. By the next day the bags are taken by trash collection. The streetscape is activated an involved in the processes of the everyday. To many who live here, trash is an eyesore. To others, it is a transparent example of the functions of the people that live there.

What is it to you?

ACTIONS

• What to advocate for? ‘Zero’ Waste
• Example: Cities Lead the Way in Diverting Trash from Landfills
• Seattle Department: City of Seattle Waste Management
• Who to talk to: Check the Seattle City Council Committee assignments; Seattle Public Utilities and Neighborhoods Committee manages waste.

If you’re passionate about zero waste, sign up to receive their meeting minutes, and provide them some suggestions.

RESOURCES:

• links above
• Story of Stuff
• Urban Planning 101: Overview