At least once a week we get the question “why doesn’t Ennis have a recycling program?”. So again…
The City of Ennis used to have a curbside recycling program. We got kicked out of the program by the MRF (material recovery facility) because too much regular old trashy trash was being mixed in with the recyclables. City of Ennis leaders are working out the plans for a sustainable recycling program as we speak. But since we’ve failed at this once already, don’t expect it to happen quickly. Our leadership wants to make sure it’s done right. Personally, I can appreciate that.
For those eco-minded community members who need to recycle right now, there is one lone recycle container at the public works facility at 500 W Lake Bardwell Dr. You do have to be a resident of Ennis to use it and it is only accessible during business hours. That’s not incredibly convenient. But since they have to fish trash bags, baby diapers, and other nonrecyclables out of it just about daily, a city employee must be present to accept your recyclables.
Now that I’ve said all of that, I can say this: recycling is not the answer. I felt the universe quiver with disgust when you read that. But before you close out your browser and march over to City Hall to demand that I be recycled, hear me out.
A North Texas city employee who runs the recycling program for his city admitted in a public forum this week that 90% of the trash that is run through his recycling program winds up in the landfill. 90%! And another Keep Texas Beautiful affiliate informed us earlier this year at a training that their MRF had warehouses (warehouses with an S - multiple!) filled to the brim with recyclable trash that would likely end up in the landfill because there was nowhere to send it. So I’ll say that again: at this moment in history, recycling is not THE answer to our trash problem. In fact, at any moment in history, recycling should be the last resort before sending an item to the landfill. If we are truly concerned about the environment and the planet that we are leaving to future generations we have to think beyond recycling.
*WARNING* You may find some of the things you are about to read offensive or downright ridiculous depending on your level of commitment to sustainable living. It’s ok. We’re all working our way through this together and are all at different levels. There is always hope for humanity and the planet as long as we are open minded to change.
Questions to ask before adding an item to the recycle bin.
Can it be reused? Yes? Then reuse it.
Can it be reused but you have no use for it? No problem. Join your local Buy Nothing Project group. Someone may be looking for what you’re tossing. Trust me on this! You would be amazed at the things people will take off your hands.
Can it be reused but you don’t want to join a group? Bag it all up and donate it. There are multiple local organizations who will happily find a new home for your items and may even give you a tax-deductible receipt. See the donation locations on the resource tab.
Can it be repurposed? Get creative. Get crafty. When I was a a girl my Barbie dolls had an entire wardrobe made of popped scrunchies and torn dance tights.
Can it be composted? Create a backyard compost pile. Why buy compost when you can make it yourself?
Can it be repaired or restored? Old is the new new. And if you don’t know how to repair or restore it yourself, chances are there is someone in your circle that does.
The most important question you can ask should happen before you buy / receive an item in the first place: do I really need this? This is the hardest pill to swallow because we are such a consumer driven, convenience focused society. But come on, do I really need a grocery bag when I buy a single item? Not really. Do I need the plastic ware when I order takeout? No, I have forks at home. Do I need a straw for my drink at a restaurant? Sigh… no. I’m going to have to reapply my lipstick after dinner anyway. And if the restaurant passed inspection to open, the cups are sanitized between uses. Do I really need the latest greatest phone every year? Nah. My son said he isn’t going to fix my settings for me again anyway so I better stick with the one I have. Do I need a trendy new coat every single winter? Nope. In Texas, I’ll only get to wear it a few days a year anyway. Do I need that pair of shoes in every possible color? I felt the universe shiver again! I said NEED. Yes, I WANT that pair of sexy patent leather shoes with the round toe and chunky heels in every color possible. But no, I don’t NEED them. Sometimes the truth hurts.
If we truly care about the environment, we have to reevaluate our habits. Some habits we will probably not give up easily because of the sanitary or convenience factors, disposable diapers come to mind. But some habits we could change creating little to no hardship on ourselves at all. And those are the place to start! Begin with the simple things. We have to start somewhere and, as counterintuitive as it seems, recycling should be the last step, not the first.