Chinese Recycling
December 11th, 2005
Although I’m not sure exactly how it works, there is recycling in China. I separate all my garbage out but then I don’t know exactly what to do with it. I know you can get some money for returning some things and I’ve even pretty much figured out where to take it. However in general what I do with any bottles and cans I have is leave them on top of the garbage cans for someone else to take back.
Today when I was cleaning up our apartment, I took out all our garbage. After taking down the stuff I considered garbage I brought down the stuff I considered recyclable. One of the little old Chinese ladies that goes through the garbage in our housing complex had just finished rifling through the garbage cans outside my building. I called out to her and ran after her to give her my two Heineken bottles and one ice tea bottle I thought might be worth some money. She was happy and as I was putting the newspaper and cereal boxes into the garbage cans she indicated she wanted them too.
I guess in China you get money for newsprint and cardboard too. I lived in Victoria too long to not separate recyclables, but I’m used to getting fined rather than paid. I’m pretty sure I know where to take the stuff in my complex to get my few Mao but I’ll continue giving my recycling away rather than walk around the corner, not that I’m lazy, but I prefer the people who return bottles and cans to those that just beg in the streets of Wu Dao Kou. I think the beggars probably make more money though…
This entry was originaly posted on , it was last edited on and is filed under: Rambles and tagged: Beijing, China, Expat.
Musk, Musk, Musk;
So, in the ever lasting quest to fuel my hockey ego, I was on the site to check stats. I’m still not winning, but it’s a long season to go. But that’s not why I’ve gone through this incredibly complicating process just to have the privilage to post on your blog. No, my motivations are a little more concerning.
I took some time to navigate your site (which started with looking at some Chinese Maggie girl’s ass), and I know for all you know, I’ve been living in a hole the last few years, I did come across your incredibly painful musings on some MBA dilemma back at UBC and the fallout since.
First, some insight. Clinical depression: I have it too. And without painting the why’s and how’s (they’re not important), my message is simple:
I don’t know the details about the whole MBA thing, but they are somewhat trivial. Reason being, the how’s and why’s we get to this state of mind vary, but the condition is the same. And since reality is perception, there is no point in debating whether or not someone has the basis to be “depressed”. If they are, they are. Enough said.
I’m sure you know this, but indulge a “biologist” if you will.
You will have this “condition” for the rest of your life. It is part of who you are, the very same way your toes are the shape that they are. It’s built in at the most biologicaly prime level of your physical make-up, and cannot be changed. However, it does not determine your life. You do.
And to reiterate another friend’s comments on this blog-thing, it is very important to look out for yourself first. Your health is number one, and doing the things that make you most happy (but NOT things others might do to make you happy) are paramount. Maybe this is family, friends, Warhammer, Ouzo, the hockey pool, I’m not exactly sure, but these are constants which will carry you throughout life.
The rest, well, I’m of good faith it will fall into place as a reflection of how you carry yourself amongst others. And good things happen to good people. Believe it. Hey, if it’s working out for me, it’ll definitely work out for you.
And if for nothing else, just regard this as a friendly hello, and I hope you feel things are on the up and up. And if you don’t feel that way, start with the things that never make you feel down. If you start there, you can’t go wrong (e.g. Go Browns!!!)
Take care,
Scott