Movement #3: Burn It! But Recycle the Good Stuff
Our pal M sent a link about one of the many recycling projects from Burning Man waste, primarily associated with Burners Without Borders:
RGJ.com: Burners build houses in Stead
The article explains how post burn refuse is repurposed for homes in Nevada through the Truckee Meadows Habitat For Humanity organization.
This reuse mentality strikes me as atypical to much of our world (with so much consumer programming for disposable everything), yet so typical to the spirit of Burning Man. Just look at the “Leave No Trace” intention and the general willingness to help others both in and outside the event.
As Lance explains in his Movement #1 piece, Burning Man, for many attendees, is a sort of experimental social template for a new way of behaving in a changing world. One that encourages less selfish independence of each person as an island of consumption for greater consideration and responsibility toward the environment and each other.
Now if we could only leave less of a trace on those damned Porta-Potties everyone seems so bent on trashing!
More Info
Burners Without Borders
See the many important current and past projects.
Recycle Camp
Their goal in 2005 was “collecting aluminum cans and educating Black Rock City citizens.” They managed to gather “250 burlap bags filled with crushed cans [and] donated over 100,000 cans to the Gerlach High School at the close of the event - approximately 3,500 pounds of aluminum that fetched about $800 for the school.”
Burning Man Earth Guardians
Their weighty task is to be “committed to working year-round to ensure the conservation of the Black Rock Desert’s unique resources - biological, cultural, and historical.” This includes education of burners, organizing teams of volunteers, massive clean-up efforts, and partnerships with the BLM and other outside groups.
Dustfish
Last but not least in the recycling and responsibility arena at Burning Man, I present Dustfish at Green Man 2007 — “WE BURN PLASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
