$50,000 Challenge to Reduce Waste in Seattle

Cleanscapes, a garbage collection company in Seattle, Washington has challenged several neighborhoods in Seattle to reduce waste that normally ends up in landfills.

Instead of trying to pass laws or issue fines or penalties, the company has decided to offer a carrot stick. The neighborhood to most reduce it's overall material going to it's garbage cans or recycle bins by May, will win $50,000 for a community project such as a park or playground.

Many neighborhoods are jumping on board and trying to come up with ideas. Community leaders will need to educate households on how to reduce waste, which is more challenging than simply recycling.

Officials from the City have suggested people use more reusable plates, napkins and cups instead of disposable ones, cancel junk mail and use mulching lawn mowers to keep grass clippings out of the trash. One resident from the Magnolia neighborhood suggested setting up more collection bins for reusable items such as clothes and furniture.

We suggest not buying plastic bottles for beverages, and only drinking local water.

photo credit: bob.b.brown from flickr