"Garbage" in Spokane

Wed., January 28th and 29th, 10:30 a.m. at the SCC Auditorium (Event lasts from 10:30-12:20)  

"Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home" is a feature documentary about how the family household has become one of the most ferocious environmental predators of our time.

Concerned for the future of his new baby boy Sebastian, writer and director Andrew Nisker takes an average urban family, the McDonalds, and asks them to keep every scrap of garbage that they create for three months. He then takes them on a journey to find out where it all goes and what it's doing to the world.

From organic waste to the stuff they flush down the potty, the plastic bags they use to the water they drink out of bottles, the air pollution they create when transporting the kids around, to using lights at Christmas, the McDonalds discover that for every action there is a reaction that affects them and the entire planet.

Everyday life under a microscope has never been so revealing. By the end of this trashy odyssey, you are truly inspired to revolutionaize your lifestyle for the sake of future generations." (www.garbagerevolution.com)

For film reviews, visit www.garbagerevolution.com/press.html.

"Garbage" The movie

Resources

Bring Your Own Bag
(igotmybag.org)

Website for a campaign to remind people to bring "your own bags every time you go to the store. It's one simple way to go green in your daily life." Includes some statistics about paper and plastic bags, a list of bagging solutions from around the world, tips to remember your bags (such as keeping them by your door), and links to related sites. From the San Francisco Bay Area Recycling Outreach Coalition.*

Computer Recycling: Educational Resources
(www.ce.cmu.edu/GreenDesign/comprec/resources.html)

This site was created "to assist you in locating information or contacts needed to reduce the amount of electronic equipment going to landfills." Includes links to sites for recycling computers, monitors, floppy disks, parts, components, peripherals, and more. A few broken links.*

EcoKids
(www.ecokids.ca)

Ecokids "is Earth Day Canada's environmental education program for youth who care about the planet." Its website features games, activities (such as interactive stories), printable pages and information about wildlife, science and nature, energy and environmental issues. Topics include garbage and recycling, water conservation, alternative energy technology, a field guide to Canadian birds, and much more. Also includes a discussion forum and materials for teachers and parents.*

Earth 911
(earth911.com)

Contains community-specific environmental information. Topics include reuse, recycling, hazardous waste disposal, composting, local agencies, environmental groups, state and local programs, and more. Includes a glossary and "green" shopping tips.*

eRecycle.org

"A partnership between government, manufacturers, retailers and the environmental community," eRecycle.org provides information for consumers, retailers, manufacturers, and recyclers about California's electronic waste recycling program. Includes information about California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003, which requires California consumers to pay an advance recycling fee when purchasing most televisions, computer monitors, and laptop computers. The site also offers a searchable database of facilities in California that collect electronic equipment for reuse or recycling.*

Freecycle
(www.freecycle.org)

"The Freecycle Network is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. ... Membership is free." Members of Freecycle receive and may post email messages about free items. The site includes a FAQ and information for becoming a member and starting a new group.*

Garbage: How Can My Community Reduce Waste?
(www.learner.org/interactives/garbage/intro.html)

An introduction to the problem of global waste management, with some possible solutions. Topics include solid waste, sewage, hazardous waste, and sustainable living. Offers annotated links to sites for further reading.

National Recycling Coalition: America Recycles Day (ARD)
(www.nrc-recycle.org/americarecycles.aspx)

"America Recycles Day (ARD), November 15, is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products." The site features information and tips about recycling (such as on the benefits, how it works, and interesting end products), list of events throughout the country, links to news stories, and a recycling pledge. From the National Recycling Coalition.*

Organic Materials Management: Home Gardening
(www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/Gardening/)

This site provides ideas for reducing gardening waste. Topics covered include grasscycling (leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing), xeriscaping ("landscaping with slow-growing, drought tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce yard trimmings"), composting, erosion control, and purchasing recycled gardening and landscaping products. From the California Integrated Waste Management Board.*

ReadyMade
(readymade.com/)

This site is a companion to "a bimonthly print publication for people who like to make stuff." Taking inspiration from Dada artist Marcel Duchamp, these people like to "make stuff" from found objects. The site features articles (such as instructions for making bowls from old LPs and building a sod couch), an eclectic set of links, and discussion forums.*

Recycler's World: Computer & Telecommunications Recycling Section
(www.recycle.net/recycle/computer/)

A good selection of links "along with a list of companies, associations and publications related to the Computer & Telecommunications Recycling industry in general."*

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
(www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/index.htm)

Explains the necessity of recycling and explains how to do it, including how to recycle electronics, grass clippings, oil, and batteries. Also has details on materials and waste exchanges and waste minimization. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Solid Waste.*

Reduce.org
(www.reduce.org)

This site provides suggestions for reducing personal production of waste materials. "When you avoid making garbage in the first place, you don't have to worry about disposing of waste or recycling it later. Changing your habits is the key." Topics include office paper, composting, purchasing decisions, junk mail, transportation, holiday activities, and more. From the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.*

Share the Technology
(sharetechnology.org)

A database "to help computer equipment donors connect with nonprofit organizations and individuals with disabilities seeking donations." Locate organizations in your area needing equipment, or list equipment you are willing to donate. Also provides information on how to recycle ink-jet and laser cartridges.*

Washington State Department of Ecology Kids Page
(www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/kidspage/)

"This interactive website is designed to teach [children] about the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and solid waste management (or how we take care of our garbage)." Includes trivia, games, puzzles, a coloring book, composting instructions, and informaton about recycling aluminum, tin, glass, paper, and plastics.*

Wastes: Back-to-School
(www.epa.gov/osw/wycd/funfacts/school3.htm)

List of tips for reducing waste at school. Includes ideas for school supplies, lunches, transportation, and decorations for special events. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).*

*Record courtesy of Librarians' Internet Index. Generated by searching lii.org. Copyright ©2007, Librarians' Internet Index, LII. All rights reserved.