The amount of solid waste disposed of between 1972 and 1987 increased by
28%. A look at the categories of solid waste gives a good indication
about today’s life style: (1) yard waste increased 34%, (2) home
furnishings grew 80%, (3) major appliances rose 74% (4.5 times faster
than the population), (4) discarded clothing and footwear grew 260%, (5)
office paper increased 87%, and (6) writing and printing paper increased
150%. The tonnage of books disposed of grew 24%, or 50% faster than the
population. Technical books alone increased 211%. Magazine tonnage grew
38%, while catalogues, brochures, and direct mail solicitations (junk
mail) increased 133%.
from Tom Rattray. 1993. Demographics & Discards: Why there’s more
garbage, and why packaging isn’t the culprit. (In) Garbage: The
Practical Journal for the Environment. Dovetail Publishers, Gloucestor,
Massachusetts. IV(6)27:28. (December/January.)
Myra Nissen
The Sutta Co.
myracycl@inreach.com
www.sutta.com
RHONDA L SHERMAN wrote:
>
> Regarding Cortney Cable's request for advise on how to
> divert her shoes from the waste stream each year, I
> concur with the writer who suggested donating them
> to Goodwill and other service organizations. However,
> I would also encourage you to examine the waste
> prevention aspect. Why do you need to throw away
> numerous pairs of shoes every year? Are you buying cheap
> shoes that fall apart quickly? Are you buying shoes that
> go out of style annually? A well-made pair of shoes
> can last twenty years or more, and the sole can be
> replaced several times if it wears out.
>
> Cortney Cable wrote:
>
> I am interested in recycling shoes. Does anybody have any information or
>
> know who I could contact to find out about doing this? I have numerous
> pairs
> of shoes that I throw away each year and I would like to stop doing
> this.
> Any thoughts or ideas would be helpful.
>
> --
> Rhonda L. Sherman <sherman@eos.ncsu.edu>
> Extension Solid Waste Specialist
> Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department
> N. C. State University, Box 7625
> Raleigh, NC 27695-7625
> Phone 919/515-6770; Fax 919/515-6772
> http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/people/faculty/sherman
>