Stuff You Should Know Littering: Not Cool
Feb 10, 2022
Dive into the messy world of littering and its deep-rooted connection to disposable packaging. Explore historical shifts in waste disposal attitudes and the unexpected role of corporations in anti-littering campaigns. Discover the psychological aspects of why people litter and the community efforts like 'plogging' to combat it. Examine the impact of legislation such as bottle bills and iconic campaigns like the 'crying Indian'. Laugh alongside personal anecdotes as the conversation unfolds, making this a compelling mix of fun and critical insights.
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Origin of the Episode
- Josh explains that his interest in littering stemmed from witnessing an adult litter.
- This sparked his curiosity about why people litter and led to this podcast episode.
Litter and Disposables
- The history of littering is intertwined with the rise of disposable packaging.
- This surprising connection reveals how societal shifts contribute to environmental problems.
Pre-1950s Reuse Economy
- Pre-1950s America reused items extensively due to economic conditions and ingrained habits.
- Milk delivery with reusable bottles exemplifies this era of a reuse economy.