Back in college I took B&W Photography and was required to take three rolls of film a week.  This wasn’t easy as there isn’t much in Ithaca to capture after two weeks!  I was shy photographing people I did not know so I would capture solitary spaces or empty spaces, including an empty terrace in Willard Straight Hall.  After developing the film by hand in the darkroom, which is very cool to have done this in an era that has witnessed the take over of digital photography, I no longer had a need for the film canisters.  I held onto a few of them thinking that I would find some use for them.

Awhile ago when I was packing for a trip I wanted to bring along my favorite shampoo but the container was too large to pack in my small bag (who wants to check bags these days with all the fees and hassle?).  I remember I had some film containers so I filled them with my shampoo and conditioner.   Enough for 2-3 days!

+Everyone knows the three R’s.  Most kids like myself 20 years ago were taught how to help save the planet by reducing, reusing and recycling.  Being green is not a new phenomenon, but has become increasing relevant for the average person in today’s economy. Unfortunately,  convenience, ease of access, availability of money, and the thrill of the new have been much more attractive than taking those worn heels to the shoe cobbler for a touchup or stocking up on something on sale even though you have no clue how you are eventually going to use it.++

+Several years ago, I was in Montreal with a friend during fall break and I had the brilliant idea of walking the 10 blocks to our destination instead of taking a cab.  I failed to realize how long the blocks were and my feet wore out very quickly.  I was, however, delighted to see that Montreal had disposal stations instead of trash cans on every block.  

Next to the bin for waste were also receptacles for paper, plastic and cans.  Even the Atlanta airport has not accomplished that and its 2009 (although I have not flown since 2008 so I cannot 100% back that statement).  I came across a design competition in Chicago that engaged the young architecture community to design a recycling receptacle for Chicago’s streets.  I think this is a promising way to help define a a city’s identity, commitment to the environment, and add visual interest.++

+I live in a modern apartment community, that has for everyone’s convenience trash valet four days a week.  During designated times, residents can leave trash right outside their door and leave it to magically disappear in two hours for the price of $18 a month (this fee is required, not optional).  Unfortunately recycling is not available, so everyone just tosses their recyclables in the garbage and thinks nothing of it.  I admit I did that for a few months because I have limited space in my small apartment and had no idea of where to go to do the responsible thing.  I now go to Whole Foods but it’s not convenient and I used it mostly as an excuse to get out the house. ++

I recommend Earth911.com to find areas to recycling near you. Every third saturday of the month, the Midtown Alliance has a recycling event in the parking lot across from Grady and accepts e-waste.  This is great when you are making a move, which many of us are being forced to do these days!