Recycling 📍

📽️ Videos

The Plastic Myth and the Misunderstood Triangle

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The Plastic Myth and the Misunderstood Triangle

The myth created around plastic recycling has been one of simplicity. We look for the familiar triangle arrows, then pop the waste in the recycling bin so it can be reused.

But the true purpose of those triangles has been misunderstood by the general public ever since their invention in the 1980s.

These triangles were actually created by the plastics industry and, according to a report provided to them in July 1993, were creating "unrealistic expectations" about what could be recycled. But they decided to keep using the codes.

Melting Cans With The Mini Metal Foundry

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For as long as I can remember, I've been intrigued by the idea of melting metal and making things with it. The problem has always been that it was out of reach or required really expensive equipment.

In this project I experimented with 10 different prototypes, to develop a reusable backyard foundry that melts aluminum soda cans easily and safely. I tested different refractory recipes, different containers, different setting for blowing air, and different types of makeshift crucibles.

I tried various ratios of portland cement, sand, perlite, plaster of paris, water, and even kitty litter. For containers, I experimented with clay pots, plastic buckets, no container, cinderblocks, and a galvanized steel pail.

Map: St. Regis River Reservior

The Wastemakers and Recycling

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Vance Packard’s The Wastemakers from 1961 remind us what recycling ♻ is all about. Especially the kind so gleefully promotes by “socially responsible” corporations pushing their PFOA soaked clothing, their styrofoam plates and tetrapacks.

Conveniently located throughout the mart are receptacles where the people can dispose of the old-fashioned products they bought on a previous shopping trip. In the jewelry section, for example, a playfully designed sign by a receptacle reads: “Throw your old watches here!”

Is Recycling Worth It Anymore? The Truth Is Complicated.

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America produces more waste per capita than any other country in the world. And recycling, which was once considered the solution to that problem, isn’t really working anymore. Recycling works, but it’s not magic. As America continues to lead the world in per capita waste production, it’s becoming more and more clear that everybody-- manufacturer and consumers-- “over-believe” in recycling.

Map: Empire State Topography
Map: Severence Hill Trail