Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Recycling Is Garbage (A classic from the NY Times' libertarian, I'm surprised they posted it.)
New York Times Magazine ^ | June 30, 1996 | John Tierney

Posted on 11/17/2008 11:08:18 PM PST by neverdem

click here to read article


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-30 last
To: backhoe

I’ve long been suspicious that the very same thing happens here in the Seattle area.

King County now has, you guessed it: *mandatory* recycling. I haven’t heard of any citations yet, but supposedly there are people that go around checking street-side trash cans, and they will issue a citation if the recyclable content of the can exceeds 20% of the trash.

I almost hope to get one of these tickets. On trash day I make sure to throw in a few extra aluminum cans at the top of the can. Just to give them something to do.


21 posted on 11/18/2008 2:18:59 PM PST by Ramius (Personally, I give us... one chance in three. More tea?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: Ramius

Thanks for the link.


22 posted on 11/18/2008 2:23:02 PM PST by neverdem (Xin loi min oi)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 20 | View Replies]

To: Ramius

That’s another thing. If we do really recycle everything possible, what will future archaeologists study?


23 posted on 11/18/2008 2:24:32 PM PST by Tony in Hawaii (NUTS!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 20 | View Replies]

To: Cacique

btt


24 posted on 11/18/2008 2:41:27 PM PST by Cacique (quos Deus vult perdere, prius dementat ( Islamia Delenda Est ))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Tony in Hawaii

‘Zactly... We’re takin’ their jobs! :-)

About that “Rubbish!” book... One amusing thing that’s in the book and that we discussed over a couple of bourbons once is the phenomenon of the “Coors Layer”.

Geologists have the term “Irridium Layer” that describes a thin layer of Irridium pretty much all over the planet, which identifies a specific moment in time. Well... the “Coors Layer” is just like that in landfills.

Some of us remember back when beer and soda cans had removable pull-tabs, right? Then there was that awkward phase as many different designs were tried for a non-removable pop-top.

One of those was a total disaster: the Coors punch-down button top. Remember... it had those two little buttons that you had to punch in with your thumbs. Not only did it tend to slice little circles in your thumb, the top air-hole was positioned just right to cut the end of your nose. So... it only lasted on the market for a very short time, about 1974 IIRC. Find the layer in the landfill that has those cans... and you know you’re at right around 1974.

Neato, huh?


25 posted on 11/18/2008 2:42:44 PM PST by Ramius (Personally, I give us... one chance in three. More tea?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: Ramius

Yes indeed! Actually, I remember when cans were steel and had no opening at all. Had to use the pointy end of a “church key” can opener. ‘Course I wasn’t a beer drinker back then. :)

The old country store in the town I used to spend my summers in, back in the ‘60s had a Coke machine out front. It dispensed cans, and had a clamshell-like can opener on the front. The can opener got a layer of sugar on it after a while, and one day the yellow jackets discovered it. No Coke that day.


26 posted on 11/18/2008 3:04:41 PM PST by Tony in Hawaii (NUTS!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: neverdem
I'm surprised they posted it.

The story explains why they might.

As a former newspaper editor, I can attest to the rise in paper costs being a HUGE reason for the downfall of newspapers (beyond the reduced literacy of the American public).

27 posted on 11/18/2008 7:20:43 PM PST by Gondring (Paul Revere would have been flamed as a naysayer troll and told to go back to Boston.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Rurudyne; steelyourfaith; Tolerance Sucks Rocks; AdmSmith; Berosus; Convert from ECUSA; dervish; ...

thanks neverdem (quite a combo!):

Dems Target Private Retirement Accounts
Carolina Journal Online | November 04, 2008 | Karen McMahan
Posted on 11/18/2008 4:45:37 PM PST by Clintonfatigued
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2134324/posts

Many doctors plan to quit or cut back: survey
Reuters | Nov. 18, 2008 | Reporting by Maggie Fox; editing by Chris Wilson
Posted on 11/18/2008 1:18:58 PM PST by socialismisinsidious
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2134156/posts

Obama discriminates – against gun owners (some interesting conclusions!)
WorldNetDaily | November 18, 2008 | Brad O’Leary
Posted on 11/18/2008 6:31:59 PM PST by neverdem
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2134409/posts


28 posted on 11/18/2008 8:00:30 PM PST by SunkenCiv (https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/_______Profile finally updated Saturday, October 11, 2008 !!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SunkenCiv
quite a combo!

And I'm backed up!

29 posted on 11/18/2008 10:56:12 PM PST by neverdem (Xin loi min oi)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: neverdem

Shhhhh, I don’t recycle. I refuse to be a slave to my refuse.

Penn & Teller did a good episode on Bullsh!t about recycling.


30 posted on 11/18/2008 10:58:19 PM PST by word_warrior_bob (You can now see my amazing doggie and new puppy on my homepage!! Come say hello to Jake & Sonny)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-30 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson