This is my grocery bag! Recycling... hmmm.... some may say it's not a big deal or that it takes too much effort. I have been called hippie for suggesting to recycle, which hurts. Do people really know what a hippie is and why is it a negative connotation? I can't say that I am a hippie; I am me and, in any case, I don't think anyone should be classified so distinctly. We are all individuals and whether we belong to a certain social group, career, religion, or any other group, we are still separated by our own experience, personality, and beliefs.
Back to recycling... is it truly that much more work to recycle? Why recycle? Well, ...why not? It is such an inspiration to walk outside my apartment and find bins for everything: plastics, plastic bags, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and paper. I can literally recycle almost everything and it's free! My trash only goes out every two or three weeks in a small pink bag, in Sinchangdong (the part of Gwangju where I live; I can't say it is the same everywhere else in Gwangju) we buy specific garbage bags. It is so awesome! Yes, there is still a littering problem here, but I love the fact that recycling is so doable and it's catching on! In a culture where social status and respect is a priority, no one wants to be seen doing anything that will "de-face" or embarrass themselves. Therefore, if the idea that littering shows a lack of social grace strongly takes hold, I think recycling in Korea will truly be effective!
The people that sort recycling are the adjimas (grandmothers) that live in the neighborhood. They also tend to the gardens throughout the area. My dear friend, Jenni will admit they are a bit intimidating and fussy! Let me tell ya, they will yell at you if you don't do it right! But, they are still great! 
Overall, I just wish people would change their perspective on recycling. When you make it a habbit, its really not that big of a deal. Like Jack Johnson says..."Three is the magic number... reduce, reuse, recycle!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGc0PqKBnno
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Recycling in Sinchang-dong
"If you feel you are too small to make a difference, go to sleep with a mosquito in the room." ~ Author Unknown
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Oh Liz, you are such a positive influence on me. I recycled. Of course, it was late at night when the adjimmas were fast asleep and not able to yell at me for using a plastic store bag instead of the pink ones. Eek! Those ladies scare the bejesus out of me!
ReplyDeleteAnd I like the term 'hippie'. I think it means all connected to the Earth, and handy like. I'm neither of those things and wish I was, at least a bit more. Camping frightens me. Goo. I'm a wuss.