Carbon challenge update 2

Update 4-21-10

The recycling bins are back!  On my quest to recycle, I've also noticed that Boston University has put up several bins on Commonwealth Avenue, for those jogging on the Boston side near the BU bridge.

Update 3-26-10

Here is a picture I took of the washed-up debris a few days ago.

Also, I've gotten word that DCR is planning to replace the recycling bins in May.  Thanks, Chuck, for forwarding their reply!  Admittedly, I was too lazy to email them myself, but I am thrilled that you did.

From: "Parks, Mass (DCR)"
Date: March 26, 2010 7:35:03 AM PDT
Subject: RE: recycling bins along river
 
Good Morning,

Thank you for contacting DCR. The recycling bins that are along the Charles will be put back in early May.
Bill Hickey

DCR Community Relations 

Original post:
It's almost spring again in Boston.  The weather is beautiful, and now that I've found a job and am on my way toward graduation, I can get back to thinking about the important things in life.  Although I took a break from my carbon challenge for a while, I've again resumed picking up empty bottles for recycling during my jogs along the Charles river.

Here are a few updates on things I've noticed

• There were heavy rains last week which have left a thick layer of recyclables and other debris along the Boston side of the river.  Easy pickings for recycling vigilantes!
• I've saved an estimated 100kg of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by collecting bottles since beginning my carbon challenge almost one year ago.  That's about 2% of the average person on Earth's annual carbon footprint - small but significant, if the calculation is correct.
  
  Regardless of how accurate this back-of-the-envelope number may be, I enjoy the feeling that I'm doing something (however small) to make a positive impact in my own community.  Hundreds of people enjoy the esplanade every day, and I hope that more than a few of us think of its stewardship as our shared responsibility instead someone else's job.
• As has been the case since I started noticing these things, the vast bulk of trash in the bins along the trail consists of beverage containers - soft drink and water bottles, iced and hot coffee cups, and occasional beer and liquor bottles.  I may be in the minority, but I still find it odd to see so many people walking around constantly sipping things.
• The recycling bins have again disappeared along the Esplanade.
  
  I first saw the bins after the food festival sponsored by Whole Foods last summer (around August?).  I remembered seeing them for several months on the Boston side of the river, but starting a couple of months ago, the bins have disappeared.  Help me inquire about getting the recycling bins back by emailing the Department of Conservation and Recreation.