Sustainability, recycling, and reducing my carbon footprint are causes I am passionate about. I am known amongst friends for never having paper products, vehemently recycling, and sharing ways of making our resources last.

Some of my favorite things to tell others is that simply unplugging items from outlets will save you about 15% on your power bill. And did you know that most of the plastic waste in the ocean is from using the laundry machine?

All that to say, when we were assigned the Virtual Reality concept exercise, I knew I wanted to incorporate my passion for living “green.” On a regular trip to the Auburn recycling center, I struck up a few conversations. This is a recording of someone I felt like I could ask to record!

I think she is an outstanding example of where recycling knowledge is. Most people are unaware of what “wish recycling” or “wish-cycling” is. The people at the center this evening were hopeful that their items were being recycled to their best ability. I know it would be disheartening to find out that the time dedicated to separating trash from recycles, and frequent trips to the recycling center are for nothing.

This is when I decided to dive deeper into my Virtual Reality exercise. I want to discover what percentage of the recycling either here, or curbside is being reused. What happens to items that are “wish-cycled?” How do items like plastic bags and styrofoam get recycled, if ever?

I am looking forward to finding out! Watch out for my assignment which will be uploaded under “Concept Exercises.”