From NYTimes.com: Houston Resists Recycling, and Independent Streak Is Cited
Let's face it, Houston's a city that grew with the excesses of the oil and energy industries so it's not surprising that Houston's not been accepting of environmentally friendly ideas. But, come on now, it's 2008 already! Just because landfill is cheap doesn't mean you should still throw everything away.
Houston recycles just 2.6 percent of its total waste, according to a study this year by Waste News, a trade magazine. By comparison, San Francisco and New York recycle 69 percent and 34 percent of their waste respectively. Moreover, 25,000 Houston residents have been waiting as long as 10 years to get recycling bins from the city.Independent streak. Good one. Instead of taking blame and correcting it, the Mayor says it's an independent streak.
"We have an independent streak that rebels against mandates or anything that seems trendy or hyped up," said Mayor Bill White, who favors expanding the city's recycling efforts. "Houstonians are skeptical of anything that appears to be oversold or exaggerated. But Houstonians can change, and change fast."
Let's face it, Houston's a city that grew with the excesses of the oil and energy industries so it's not surprising that Houston's not been accepting of environmentally friendly ideas. But, come on now, it's 2008 already! Just because landfill is cheap doesn't mean you should still throw everything away.
Leave a comment