Some months ago, Hawaii implemented a deposit/redemption program for beverage containers. We're charged a 5 cent deposit on the container, and can then turn it in for the 5 cents back.
Today, a press release went out that included the information that more than 77 million drink containers were turned in for recycling last month. 77 million! For a state with a population of 1.26 million! That's an average of 2 containers per day for every citizen. And that doesn't include the containers that were bought but not redeemed. (Like ours - we buy so few bottled beverages that we just throw them in regular recycling, rather than standing in line to get 5 cents back on each one.) And when you consider that I am likely not alone in not partaking of bottled beverages (pregnant or not), that means some people are drinking at least four containers of soda or beer every day. It blows my mind. And presumably their waistlines.
Posted by Shokufeh at July 7, 2005 06:12 PMHigh fructose corn syrup (and any other easily absorbed sugar) and partially hydrogenated soybean oil (and other transfatty acids) are the real culprits in the current American obesity epidemic. You've tapped into a proof.
Posted by: george at July 7, 2005 11:43 PMWhen I was in Hawaii in December, I remember all the talk of the upcoming HI5 deal! :)
Hope you're doing well!! And Baby Pool goodie is off to you tomorrow!
Posted by: Leslie at July 8, 2005 12:31 AMLet's add to sugars and fats the fact that there are hardly any 'normal' sized packages to find. From what I have experienced in the US, everything is just supersized and labeled 'convenience'.
While in the US, I have tried to eat healthy and the portions I was used to; I even bought "fat-free". And still, I gained weight. Is that normal?
Shokufeh, friends in SF actually collect their bottles and put them next to the waste bin outside their home, because they know there are some homeless people who pick them up...
Posted by: mademoiselle a. at July 8, 2005 11:48 AM