More Insight from Devin Cowan, Former Energy Corps Volunteer
1/3/2011
Standing in the check-out line at the grocery store a few nights ago, I recognized the woman behind me--we had completed a weatherization for her some weeks before. I expected that she might not recognize me, but she came right up, flashed a giant smile, and commended me on work well done. "The difference is already noticeable," she informed me...though I believe she had said the same thing as we were installing the kits.
4/30/2011
The Trash for Trees recycling events that the SAVE Foundation hosts in Helena draw more participants than a crawdad race in Arkansas. Picture people bustling between massive dumpsters constantly being filled and emptied of cans, paper, bottles, and cardboard. Make eye contact with one of the locals, and it's easy to recognize their determination--many have been saving their recyclables for half a year or more! Don't get between them and the bins; such folly could be your last...
You would think that an event with such seam-busting energy would practically run itself. Interestingly, so enthused is the average spring-time Helena recycler, that volunteers are needed to maintain the operation. The job description? Basically, help people identify and sort recyclables. This task sounds easy enough under the assumption of rational recycler cooperation, but quickly deteriorates in the face of their single source of motivation--they are going to save the World! I saw the ironic tragedy play out time and again during the event: "Yes, I know you are excited, but this soda bottle is plastic, not steel," or "your dedication is superb, but I'm afraid that we can't recycle your set of 20 car batteries." In every case, you could see the lights go on, replacing a frenzied, recycling-excitement-induced blindness--only then did you know you were safe.
The dedication of the "green" community is extreme, and it was wonderful to experience it in full force during SAVE's Trash for Trees!