I’m writing after reading the article about the county taking a good look at its trash. (“Volunteers dig through trash at the landfill to study what Summit County throws away” published July 10 in the Summit Daily News.)
I always was proud to participate in recycling (and now composting) ever since I was a teen growing up in Michigan and they started the 10 cent bottle reimbursement and other recycling programs.
I thought the High Country Conservation Center and the Summit County Recycling Program were doing a great job (I still do appreciate all their hard work.), but after I leave places like Whole Foods in Frisco, I have such a sad feeling and bad taste in my mouth. The recycling of things used at their deli and soup and salad bar is so upsetting. About two years ago, I wrote a comment/complaint to the store about it, and they basically said it wasn’t feasible for them to use reusable plates. All the containers used for salads, etc., are cardboard with a coating, and after it’s used, it goes to the landfill.
I remember when Wild Oats in Denver had their salad bar, they offered a reusable plate for people who weren’t doing takeout. I also asked Whole Foods if customers could bring their own takeout containers, and they said it would be too hard to weigh them.
The Zero Waste Task Force needs to target the stores and businesses that are not making the extra effort to help with this huge problem. And I need to stick with my goal to not give my business to places that only care about the bottom line.