Young american women with recycling bags. Via UMass Amherst MASSPIRG Chapter Instagram
Growing up in the state of New Jersey and attending university at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I have picked up quite a bit about sustainable practices. I have been studying environmental science at my university and continue to learn and gather information about sustainability going into my third year at university.
Greetings from New Jersey postcard, vintage
Now that I am in Israel, I’ve noticed quite a difference in sustainability measures than what I am used to back home. I’d like to share some practices that I would like to see Israel adopt as we work together to create a greener community.
Recycling in Israel versus the United States
nepm.org “Great Food Comes With Great Waste At UMass”
As I explore Israel, something I’ve noticed is the lack of recycling bins. In America, recycling is a popular concept that many Americans follow. Especially at my university, we have designated bins that are easily identifiable to students to encourage sustainable disposal. For example, in our dining common, we have an easy system to dispose of waste and materials.
There are three bins: compost, trash, and recycling. In the compost bin (which is marked with what can and cannot be composted), students dispose of mainly food waste and some other materials that can be composted. In the trash, students dispose of plastic bags, paper items, and other materials that are not recyclable. In the recyclable bin, students dispose of clean and empty containers, including cardboard boxes, office paper, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans.
Although this is a short description of the system of disposal at my university, UMass Amherst strives to make substantial efforts to educate, inspire, and create a system that is easy and efficient to its students. Learn more about my university’s efforts toward sustainable disposal here.
nepm.org “Great Food Comes With Great Waste At UMass”
Cleanups at university
Trash clean up
Back at my university, I take a role in a club that makes numerous strives towards creating a greener campus. One of which we do is we conduct campus cleanups. Each week, our team gathers and walks across campus picking up trash. We also pick up recyclable garbage which we place into a separate bag.
These cleanups not only help make our campus a cleaner place but also inspires other students and campuses across the country to take part in cleanups. It also creates a sense of community as it brings us together to engage in an activity that makes us feel like we are creating good in the world. Overall, these activities promote sustainability and promote a close-knit community.
Reusable water bottles are more popular in America
A reusable water bottle being refilled
Although I am aware that reusable water bottles are being used in Israel today, I see Americans making greater use of them than the Israelis. When I asked one of my Israeli friends if she uses reusable water bottles, she told me that they are so expensive and it is easier and more efficient for her to buy a single-use plastic bottle instead. Since it is safe to drink the tap water in Israel, it is crucial that reusable water bottles are integrated more into Israeli society. However, it also needs to be economically available to everyone.
However, when you add up how much money you spend purchasing single-use plastic water bottles, you realize how much money you spend on them each day. Humans need to be drinking at least 6 bottles of water per day, especially in the hot Middle Eastern climate, even more than that. It will save you a significant amount of money to refill your reusable water bottle with the tap than continuously be spending money on plastic bottles.
In addition, most reusable bottles are made with insulating material, meaning your water will stay cold for much longer. For me, I have a hydro flask which keeps my water cold for up to 24 hours. Once I switched to reusable bottles a couple of years ago, I will never go back.
Reusable bags are not embraced by Israelis
Cari Luzzi packs her groceries into a reusable bag at a Stop & Shop in Clifton, NJ via Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com
Lastly, something I’ve noticed in my time here in Israel is that shops and markets all give out plastic bags to their customers after each purchase. Every time I buy something, whether I am in the shuk or any shop, I am given a plastic bag for my items and have to tell the cashier I don’t need one. A new law in my home state of New Jersey requires all customers to bring their own bags and stores are not allowed to give out plastic bags to their customers.
Customers are allowed to purchase a reusable bag in the store, but the store itself cannot hand out nor have any single-use plastic bags. Although this law can be annoying for many, it has become a norm in New Jersey and you now always remember to bring in your reusable bags into the store. If Israelis can stop handing out free plastic bags to their customers, this will force everyone to remember their own bags and thus reduce plastic waste in the community.
Drive less in Tel Aviv
Dutch Prime Minister cycling on Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv
Living in Tel Aviv, it is very easy to get places by simply walking. And that’s a good thing. Not only does it help reduce emissions, but it is also great for you! Walking is proven to help reduce stress, provide good exercise and is fun and easy. Even if walking somewhere is too far, you can rent an electric bike or scooter to get places quicker. There are scooter/bikes paths in many areas of Tel Aviv, so biking/scooters is a great alternative to driving and walking.
Bird Scooter for rent along the boardwalk in Tel Aviv. Be mindful that there are deaths and serious accidents from these machines.
Although there are so many ways that a whole community can reduce waste and become more sustainable, it is most important to start somewhere. Even just having this discussion helps bring our community together in figuring out how we can be better for the environment. Looking up to others and seeing what works and what doesn’t helps bring us all up, learn, and continue to bring change across the world.
Author: Danielle Meyers
Danielle Meyers is an Environmental Science major at the University of Massachusetts Amherst interested in environmental law and policy. She took an interest in studying the environment once she learned about the worsening effects of climate change. Danielle enjoys going on adventures, the beach, shopping, and seeing friends and family. She is reporting from Tel Aviv in the Summer of 2023 to to learn, discover, and inspire change in the community and throughout the Middle East.
