Recycling Blues
Will the new recycling carts be rolled away just as Chicagoans were getting used to their benefits?
Since recycling helps the environment, cuts back on landfill waste and promotes a sustainable lifestyle, you would think cities would make it as easy as possible for businesses and residents. In Chicago, think again.
According to the Chicago Reader, city officials recently said they were willing to expand the bluecart program, but the verdict is out on whether the proposed expansion was incorporated in the new budget. Looks like the future of a greener city will come down to money the 2008 city budget and people are not reluctant to voice their opinions.
If the plan is approved when the City Council votes on the 2008 budget ordinance Wednesday, the city’s source-separated recycling program, in which residents served by city garbage crews place all of their recyclables into blue containers in the alley, will be extended to an 131,000 additional households on top of the 81,000 already included. That would mean that about 30 percent of the 700,000 residences with city garbage service–all Chicago dwellings with four or fewer units, known as low-density residences–will be covered by the program.
In addition, The Chicago Tribune states, “If Daley is serious about going green, he should stop finding excuses to stick with the blue.”
The Chicago Sun Times weighs in with, “The city needs to deliver a recycling program that makes sense. It’s not rocket science — it should be easy being green. ”
You be the judge.
November 20 2007 02:23 am | Green Lifestyle
