I'm an Envirocyclist
by Scott Korcz
How important
is clean air to you and your lungs?
Nothing turns
me off more than witnessing all the trash on the roadsides.
Breathing auto exhaust as I ride by cars stuck in traffic
of their own making is a very close second. These fumes
are toxic to the air and water that we breathe and drink.
Unfortunately, I'm sure you've seen the trash and smelled
the fumes.
I had a wild
idea one day as I was touring the back roads of the Hill
Country around Fredericksburg. I was amazed by all of
the trash on the side of the road as I admired the otherwise
beautiful scenery. Aluminum cans, plastic containers,
glass bottles, and paper products were all disturbingly
common sights along the hilly miles. "Why would intelligent
people pollute their own environment?" I wondered as I
struggled up a huge hill.
Short on breath,
I said to myself, "Scott, it would be a very cool thing
to recycle this trash while you bicycle. Start with aluminum
cans," I thought, "since they seem to be the most numerous
recyclables you see along these never-ending hills."
I must admit
that the biggest benefit I get is knowing that I'm making
a small, but positive difference for all the cyclists
out there. Not to mention all the two-legged and four-legged
non-cyclists on the planet. I'm cycling and recycling
at the same time. Wow! I can do two really great things
at once! Amazing for me.
Recycling aluminum
requires 95% less energy than making cans from scratch.
Recycling aluminum reduces the amount of bauxite ore mined
and processed. It reduces the huge electrical demands
of the aluminum smelting process. When we reduce energy
and electrical consumption, we reduce polluting air emissions
from coal-fired power plants and from raw material transportation.
Knowing that
recycling was a good thing to do, I realized that I would
need something to haul the recyclables while I was cycling.
I researched the numerous bicycle trailers and decided
on the B.O.B YAK since I could also use it cycling off-road
on my someday adventure along the Great Divide trail.
In addition, I use panniers that can be filled with items
I collect along the road. Cans like riding in panniers.
The recycling-while-cycling
process is pretty simple. Cycle along your favorite road
and look for shiny reflections along the way. These reflections
are usually aluminum cans telling you to come pick them
up so that they can be used again. Nothing makes an aluminum
can happier! Next, park your bike safely away from the
road. Take a moment to stretch your legs, and then walk
over to the can and flatten it with a mighty stomp. Stomping
is good for the soul. Many cans are pre-flattened from
the grass mowers. You can thank the grass mowers if you
are tired of stomping.
Next, stretch
your back while bending over to carefully pick up the
can. Watch for sharp edges, snakes, and other critters.
Lightweight work gloves and a "recycling stick" come in
handy here. Deposit the happy can in your "recycling bag".
Repeat as necessary along the side of the road. Smile
at the people driving by in their cars. They will know
that you are doing good deeds.
When you are
far enough away from your bike that commonsense allows,
return to your bike. Securely stow the bag in your pannier
or trailer, and begin the process again down the road.
Pace yourself. There are a lot of cans out there.
Alternatively,
to be even more effective, you can carefully and cautiously
cross the road to the other side and work your way back
to your bike. Look both ways - twice. Your safety is more
important than aluminum cans.
Once you have
filled up all of your available pannier or trailer space,
take the cans to your favorite recycling center. Cycle
there if possible. If not, save up your cans and drive
the biggest load possible to the center. Some companies
will pay cash for aluminum cans. Some companies will even
come to you to collect the cans. Even better, if you have
a curbside recycling service, deposit the cans there.
Whether you
pick up one can or a hundred, you are making a positive
difference. Be proud of that. My lungs thank you.
Take a stand!
Make a difference! If you want to help make a greater
positive impact with your bicycle, then let me know. I
call it "Envirocyclism."
