This post has got me thinking about a lot of things. In Spain, we do recycle; there are separate bins for everything, including places to sell packaging, but as you mention, many of the people who go there are those who collect such packaging or items from the street, like copper... metals.

But as I was reading, I wondered what would happen if there were no incentive, and why... I think it’s a lack of education. Ever since I was a child, I was taught that sweet wrappers go in the bin at home. That’s been lost, and now people need an incentive to do the right thing. I must be an alien. Thank goodness there are more aliens out there.

I think we should address the root of the problem, but how difficult that is. In the meantime, I’m glad these alternatives are working. The people who care most about this issue here are those over 60... they bring their own bags, don’t buy plastic bags, and use recyclable or eco-friendly materials.