Loomio
Tue 24 Oct 2017 12:16PM

Recycling at camp

F Fiona Public Seen by 432

Each year we end up with copious amounts of dirty recyclables in the skip - we would love to come up with a system that encourages only clean dry recyclables to end up in the skip.

Potential causes to consider
- Too many distractions at camp/ poorly set up recycling systems in the circle
- Lack of knowledge around recycling
- Too much packaging being brought on to the field
- Skips too far away

New info on what can be recycled: http://www.thejournal.ie/recycling-list-3723989-Nov2017/

F

Fiona Tue 24 Oct 2017 12:23PM

Idea 1 - Eco Area
An eco area could be situated down by the forge and could hold workshops where recyclables are used for craft.
The idea would involve removing general access to the recycling skip. All recyclables would be separated by the campers in a tent located in the eco space that has a number of separate boxes (paper, tetra paks, tins etc.). This would hopefully interrupt the out of sight out of mind nature of waste. The eco ambassador would take excess recyclables to the skip - they can make sure they are all clean.

ERA

Emily Robyn Archer Wed 25 Oct 2017 11:59AM

Yes. I think that this space as a real, functioning sorting space is good.
But important that any camper who brings a bag sorts it there and then as it would be crappy to have a situation where bags were being left unsorted.
I do think the skips should be on the field- even just for this year... its so important that this issue is tackled.

F

Fiona Thu 11 Jan 2018 6:08PM

I agree.. you may have to have designated times, where perhaps meitheal workers are at the sorting area to over look the process.
One reason the skips might not be able to be placed on site is access for the large skip vans.. sometimes the skip needs to be emptied in the middle of camp and clear access may be difficult

G

Gonzo Wed 25 Oct 2017 1:09PM

Interesting proposal, I wonder if the skips could actually be moved inside the field for everyone to see. At least the recycling one.

I

Ita Sat 6 Jan 2018 9:36PM

The out of 'site' and out of mind is a real concern - wouldn't it be great if everyone was just a little more conscious about the amount they create. It may seem like a harsh and unpopular idea, but one way to reduce the quanties of waste would be to introduce the concept of zero waste or leave no trace and charge a fee for rubbish. Or that each camp has a competition on which camp can create the least amount of waste.
Also yes, if the recycling is onsite people are less likely to dump contaminated recyclables in front of people.

ERA

Emily Robyn Archer Sun 7 Jan 2018 2:21PM

Nice Ita. I really like the idea of a competition between the circles on which can produce the least amount of waste. This could start before camp does as it could effect what kind of food and packaging people decide to bring to camp in the first place... There is a huge global movement as you know towards minimalism and having less stuff, zero waste... hopefully this can begin to take hold on camp too...

J

Janice Sun 7 Jan 2018 6:51PM

I think for this year there should be a bin collection service. A designated team visits each circle within the first couple of days. Time could be highlighted beforehand and all circle members are there. Team takes circle v rubbish and sorts it on the spot. Any illegal rubbish is given back to the circle there and then for proper cleaninf etc! Hopefully this will focus everyone a bit more.

J

Janice Sun 7 Jan 2018 6:53PM

I think for this year there should be a bin collection service. A designated team visits each circle within the first couple of days. Time could be highlighted beforehand and all circle members are there. Team takes circle v rubbish and sorts it on the spot. Any illegal rubbish is given back to the circle there and then for proper cleaninf etc! Hopefully this will focus everyone a bit more. This could happen on a regular daily basis until such time that the circle has properly sorted rubbish, also cleaned properly

I

Ita Sun 7 Jan 2018 9:34PM

I like the idea of a collection service - this really makes people more accountable and conscious.And yes perhaps to all those lucky enough to get tickets that it is communicated weeks before hand that there is major attempts to reduce the waste.

F

Fiona Thu 11 Jan 2018 6:13PM

I also like the idea of a collection service... I'll ponder on the logistics of this re timetable/ workers needed..
Nice ideas everyone! excited to be getting the ball rolling :)

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