Written by Meghan Mitchell
Let’s face it, people usually don’t do things unless there is something in it for them. Also, with this fast pace technology-ridden world, people don’t take the time to separate their trash from recyclables. That is why the two top recycling companies, Recyclebank and Greenopolis, have come up with an idea that can keep up with this world. They have made a recycling kiosk that makes recycling not only easy but also fun! They have created an app that keeps track of what someone has recycled and people can get points for what they recycle. Not only that but you can actually get rewards for the amount of point you earn. It gives people motivation to do a positive action because they will get a real-world reward. This is one step to increase our resources for expendable material and it saves finite materials, like trees.
“More real-world rewards, more social recycling interaction, more apps, more games, more places to recycle, more garbage NOT clogging our world––which means more feeling good.”
This is very true, many people don’t tend to do something unless there is something in it for them. I really like this idea because it will motivate people to recycle and do things that will help our environment. Also I have never heard of anyone try to make recycling fun, until this article. It is a very smart way to encourage people to recycle and do things that will benefit the environment.
I agree with teal on the fact that most people don’t consider recycling fun. Although this is a great idea to get our world to recycle more or at all, i find it a little sad that people have to have an incentive in order to even consider recycling. By making this app i feel like we are saying its ok to recycle because you want the credit of getting rewards not because you want to better the environment. This is a great idea for those who are to lazy to do the job because its whats right and a way to make it fun for those who already do.
I agree with Teal’s statement about people, in that people don’t usually do things unless they are given an incentive. I think this idea is great because it is adapting to our more technological world by creating apps. I think that this idea will help people pay more attention to recycling while having fun.
Elianah, I don’t think you should be sad about people wanting to earn credit for recycling or the reasons on why they are recycling. As long as they are recycling why does it matter why they are doing it. The important thing is it that the environment is being helped either way. I think this idea is great for the culture in which we live in today because it adapts perfectly to the society that we live in, which sometimes needs a little bit extra motivation.
I agree with Teal, it is sad that people actually need additional incentives to recycle, it’s as if saving the planet and preserving it’s resources is just not enough to convince people to recycle. Although I personally enjoy recycling because I know that it’s for the greater good, if products such as recycling kiosks make more people recycle because they now consider it fun, I’m all for these then. Also Johne, recycling alone, without these “fun” products provides the incentive of a better future, so why couldn’t we have just decided to recycle without all of these recycling products.
I’m not saying we can’t recycle without these products like we have done before. But these products help raise awareness for people who don’t recycle regularly. Also people fail to recognize the greater good which is why inventions such as these are set in place. If we’ve learned anything about humans it is that we are selfish and want the recognition for doing good things. That is just the way we operate especially in today’s society, when many people fail to do the right thing when know one is looking. Now that “someone” is looking it will encourage people to want to recycle more.
I completely agree! I think this is so cool because it is taking an action that helps our environment and its making it more modern and fun! Not many people recycle because what’s truly in it for them? But with this machine you can get rewards which i think is really cool. I think this machine is an awesome invention. I wanna use it! 🙂
This is such a great idea. Like Meghan said, most people only do things if they can benefit from it. This invention serves as a great incentive for people to go and recycle. Although it is kind of pathetic that we have to be almost bribed into doing what is right and helping out our environment, it definitely works regardless. Also, this is a very clever invention because our world revolves around technology today and people will be more inclined to recycle if there is some form of technology involved.
It’s not pathetic, it’s normal human nature. We are selfish, and therefore do selfish things. Regardless of the ideal morality of a situation, as long as something good is coming of it, there is no need to pass judgement, because everyone has done something with only themselves in mind before. I think this idea is pure brilliance, even if it does illuminate us as people that need an incentive to do good.
I totally agree with Zander, in that why do the morals of the situation matter as long as the main goal is being accomplished. Yes it is a little disappointing to see humans to need a motivation to see the greater good, but if it has to be done has to be done. I think this invention is a great way to get people to recycle regardless of their reasoning to do so.
Totally with you on this Zander in the fact that yes humans are selfish and they do need some sort of an incentive to do good. There’s nothing wrong, like you said, as long as good is being done. One factor I like about this idea is the capability this has in spreading awareness, especially in the teen age groups. Definitely one group you want to raise awareness for since they are the future. Overall this idea is neat and hopefully effective
You mentioning the teen demographic makes me think that eventually, there won’t be a need to provide an incentive to recycle. At some point, people will learn to recycle without the need to be rewarded for it. That’s how learning works psychologically . . . it’ll just take time. So, for those people that think it’s pathetic that we humans need a reason to do good, if we keep at it, than twenty years from now we won’t need an incentive, and therefore won’t be pathetic anymore.
You being Hebby. Sorry, I didn’t specify.
I Agree with Abby when she says that its pretty pathetic that we have to almost be bribed to help the enviornment. But it has been proven that “bribes” work people work better and do better if there if there is some sort of reward to be given for doing the work. I think this is a good idea and I think that this will get more people involved and excited about recycleing. People do love technology and I think that it could be very helpful.
This to me is in a way humorous. I can not begin to explain how sad it is that a motive has to be set in place in order to help out the environment by recycling. But, if incentives like these have to be put into prospect then let it happen. I think this is a great way for recycling to start to shape up. Everyone in the world owns an i-phone, so this app for racking up points by recycling is great. It will help out the environment quickyl if everyone were to start recycling. Fun, smart, and rewarding is a great way to describe this new app that will hopefully bring more people to the idea of recycling.
I agree with George here, it is quite saddening to realize that people must be bribed to do something that could help the health of their own world. In saying that, it’s good to see these companies using the selfish instinct of humans to help. Making this accessible to all is great too. With more and more smartphones being sold, applications are the best way to get everyone involved.
I think its funny too but also sad! Why must we have to bribe people to help our environment? But I guess if thats what it takes to help our environment then Im down. Making recycling modern is exactly what needed to happen. We have come to the point where we do everything on our iphones(also sad) but if thats what it comes down to then Im happy these people made this machine/app!
Having an incentive for people to recycle is a very smart idea. If people are rewarded, it gives them motivation to get a task done. People are willing to live out actions if they are entertaining to them. Since recycling is made fun through this, it will cause a major increase in the amount of recycling. This idea is very helpful to our environment because it is getting humans involved. Incentives and entertainment are a key way to enable humans to participate in a certain action. I am curious to know how much recycling will increase when more people find out about this idea!
I really like this idea because it seems like a fun, practical solution. A few people mentioned the idea of incentives. Not only is there a feeling of helping the environment but you can also rack up points and keep track of your recycling. Even though small and probably pointless, this is a really good way to get people motivated. This would be a great way for parents to get their kids interested in recycling and can help families become more environmentally minded.
I also agree with Abby about the pathetic aspect of having to get a reward for doing something good. That being said, for that reason it makes this idea very practical. Getting points for recycling and then being able to redeem them gives the added incentive to cleaning up the environment and reusuing. If all it takes is the promises of prizes to get people on board and lessen the amount of waste in the world, then I certainly don’t object to this idea. People would actually have to go out somewhere to get to these machines and this might discourage people. I think this idea is a good one and it would be interesting to see if it catches on.
I don’t necesarrily think that the idea of getting points for recycling is “pathetic,” I think it’s just a way this company felt more people would become active in recycling. Let’s be honest, we never want to do something if there isn’t any form of benefits. This is just another example of people doing something good and recieving beneifts and I applaud the idea. I would love to see more recyclebanks across the U.S. and the world in an effort to help the environment.
I agree with Mason about wanting to see more recyclebanks across the US. Even though we all see this as such a great idea, we can never do anything about it if these are not installed for us to use them! These companies should work on installing more of these recycling kiosks in order to benefit from them.
Abby makes a good point about the installation of these kiosks. If they aren’t installed, then a good idea becomes an afterthought. The key question is where does something like this go so that it can be most effective? My guess is it’s the kind of thing that might end up outside of a grocery store or Wal-Mart. People would actually have to get out of the house and go there. That doesn’t seem as practical to some people when they know that recycling can be collected and picked up at home. The points are an added benefit, but are they enough of one to change things? I’m not sure.
I agree as well because you can’t install something like this at every house. This would only work at places with lots of people like stores, the mall, the park, amusment parks, etc. Will this mean that there will be no more regular trash cans, because some people will still throw everything in the trash can despite the new cool machines with “points”.
This is the best idea I have seen so far, but I think its sad that we have to have a reward system just to get people to actually throw away their trash and plastics into the correct place. But, this idea is great and whatever gets people to do the right thing and help out the environment then do it. And I agree with Abby and Mason, they need to install more recycling kiosks around the main cities in each state or an area with a higher ratio of people per square mile.
This is a great idea! Although I already recycle at home and at school, now I can get some benefit from it too! Like everyone else, I think they should put these kiosks in populated, convenient places. Kind of like what Redbox did with movies, maybe put these kiosks outside of gas stations and grocery stores. This idea really helps people to start taking the initiative in helping our environment. Just bringing a few empty soda cans and water bottles every time you go to the grocery store will earn you points that you can then spend on rewards. I’m excited to see how this project progresses!
I think its true that most people don’t tend to do something unless there is something in it for them. I like this idea about the recycling kiosk. My only concern is that I don’t think people are willing to drive their trash all the way to one of these kiosks to get a few cents or dollars worth of money, or rewards when you trash can be picked up at your house. Maybe by doing another trash truck service that focuses only on recyclables would work. They could give you a tax break, or give you rewards just like in the kiosk.
I agree with Santi on this one. I think it would be a hassle to drive out to these recycle kiosks when there are only a small amount of them around. It would be beneficial to have a trash truck pick up the recycled items and deliver them to these kiosks. You could still get the same reward as you would if you took it to the kiosk yourself, creating just as much as an incentive to take part in this. I hope to see more developments with these kiosks throughout the months and years.
The points and stuff are a good idea but im not sure how big of an impact it will really have? Some peopel will defenitely catch on but I don’t imagine many jumping to recycle because of some “points”. That would not be as popular the older one gets. It seems more of a kid/teen thing. I may be wrong though.
I really like this idea. People are very selfish and focused on themselves. Doing something only to benefit ones self applies to everyone, we all do it. By giving an incentive to recycle, I think more people would actually do it! Maybe not a great number of people but enough to have a slight impact. There’s no harm in setting up this system. But its true, incentive is needed. You see that here at school all the time, kids don’t recycle when there’s a recycling can right in front of them.
Lauren- to help you out: there are rewards given based on the amount of points you earn. I agree, if just points were given, nobody would care except for kids and teenagers, like you said. However, as I understood it, you can turn in the amount of points you earn for some kind of reward. I’m curious though… what kind of rewards will they give out for something like this?
Thanks Abby (: and i want to know what kind of rewards they will give out with those points. That will also make a big difference as well!
What a fantastic thing. I know that I am definitely more excited and motivated to recycle after seeing this. Meghan has a really good point in that today’s world does not seem to care as much about the environment as they do about themselves. With this new invention, people can get more instant satisfaction like they do with their apps and video games. Recycle bank did a great thing in that they did not wait for people to adapt to recycling, but rather they adapted recycling to people. Ideas like this change the world and it is through this philosophy that things get done!
I agree completely that people will only do something that doesn’t affect them directly if they are rewarded with something that they can value and actually use for themselves. I really like this idea but how does it actually work? How does the app know that the person actually recycled? If it doesn’t know if the person did or not, they can just say that the recycled something and get a reward for doing nothing. If this app actually works, I think it would be a great thing to have available because some people recycle because it is a good thing to do for our environment but I know that others will only do this because they realize that it’s good and will only do it because they get something in reward for their good deed.
This is great because now people will rethink what they’re throwing away. Instead of putting something recyclable in the trash they will have the incentive to actually recycle it to earn points. Its kind of depressing that, that is what it has come down to but I think as long as it works, its worth it. This will also educate people about what is and is not recyclable, which is knowledge that can be used at home as well. Overall I think this is a really clever, cute idea.
This is super cool and creative! But also somewhat pathetic. The fact that humans need a material incentive to do good is completely backwards and speaks volumes about the world we live in, but I suppose these companies realized that they must give in to the “real world” in order to have a greater impact. That being said, I think this idea really will get a lot of people excited about recycling and promote a more eco-friendly society.
I really like that everyone enjoys this idea. I get that some of you view it pathetic that we have to resort to almost bribing people but honestly think about how busy people are these days. Think about how busy you are… do you have time to recycle? What would it take to motivate you to MAKE TIME to recycle? I think this such a good idea considering how much we depend on technology these days. For example, there is an application called Foursquare and you get points for “checking in” to places and you compete against your friends for the most points. How stupid is that? Getting points for just being places… it sounds so dumb right? Yet people do it anyways! This idea is so great because it isn’t a dumb idea and has the reward system! I’m really excited about this and I hope they start this in our town.
I definitely did not see the points this way Meghan. You are so right! Instead of being seen as bribes we can see them as a way to motivate people to actually recycle. I mean, just looking at Parish kids alone, most high school kids barely have any time to eat because they have hw, a job, a sport, etc. Having something to push you through all those things is never seen as bribing so why should this? Motivation is motivation. This is a good point Meghan! I definitely see it different now.
Although I see where you’re coming from Meghan, I still cannot help but view the fact that we have to be bribed to do what is right as pathetic. Even though today’s world is much more fast paced and everyone is constantly busy, how much time and effort does it take to put a plastic bottle in a blue trash can instead of a black one? The pathetic part is, people will only take the time to do what should be done anyways if they are rewarded for doing so. However, that being said, I still think this is an awesome idea because no matter how pathetic it is, it is human nature now and if it take a little bit of bribing to get more people to recycle, at least it is being done.
I personally believe that this recycle for points wouldn’t work. The amount of effort that you would have to exude in order to rack up enough points to get anything of any value would be so great that people would give up after doing it for a few weeks. And even if you didn’t have to save up that many points to get cool stuff, the company who is providing the “cool stuff” would run out of money so fast that this strategy would be so pointless. No matter how many cool things you say you can win, eventually people will see what exactly is needed in order to get the stuff and give up, or the company would run out of money.
You didn’t get to see what Holly put since she posted after you but we don’t necessarily need “cool” stuff when we recycle. Simple points that could be used at a Kroger or something is definitely a good idea and one that wouldn’t dive deep into companies pockets. I see what you mean though. People would get impatient and points for groceries wouldn’t really be a fantastical prize.
But I don’t want to take the extra time and recycle so I can get free groceries… I am being completely honest! The amount of money spent on groceries is not enough to motivate me to take all that extra time and go find a kiosk to recycle stuff for some money off groceries!! Speaking from personal experiences from sites like Swag bucks (a search engine where you are rewarded points for just using the engine) where I could get an xbox if I used it enough, or even just a video game, eventually I gave up, what makes you think I will not give up on this, and its just for groceries not even something cool and fun I can play with.
I have actually used a much larger version of this recycling kiosk. It was in a Kroger parking lot which actually makes a lot of sense. You signed up your first visit so the kiosk can make your personalized ID card. Whenever you recycle things you earned points that can be used at Kroger! Bigger items were worth more points than smaller ones and it was logical for one of these to be set up. Just bring a plastic bag full of recyclables, earn points from the kiosk for doing so, then use the points in the grocery store! It was a very simple, and innovative task that I believe will catch on.
I am curious how it turned out? Did you personally use it or did you just see other people using it? Because it seems like a very modern idea, and I personally don’t think it can make that much a difference for people in order for them to use it daily or weekly in order to rack up enough points to be rewarded!
In all honesty, why do we need a recycling ATM? We already recycle items, but states have changed their regulations on this subject. States such as California, Oregon and Maine already pay people to recycle. The incentive also helps people in poverty find a little extra money to survive. I think the rewards program is ridiculous and we don’t need to pay money to make ATMs when it can be used for infrastructure.
That’s so cool Holly! What if all major grocery stores did that? I think that would be a way to get adults involved as well! After all, they need incentives too! But, although it is good for the environment, over 70% of Americans already recycle! That’s a lot of people! And also thinking back to the owner of the groceries perspective, wouldn’t that be making them less profit? If not how are they trading those recyclables in for money? Can the everyday person do that too!
This idea is spot on for the people of today’s society. Unfortunately, people today aren’t likely to do something for nothing in return. People of our generation typically need a little incentive. This idea has done a great job of incorporating that. The machine is easily accessible and beneficial to those who use it. Its a great way for people to do their part in saving the environment.
Holly its great that something like this has already been put into motion and is being used!I totally agree that it is a great idea! And earning points for something is an awesome idea that they can be used for things like in this case groceries. I feel like if more grocery stores and big department stores such as target,walmart,sams and others would use something like this, that alot more people would show intrest in the stores and they would probably buy more.
Yeah I think its cool Holly actually got to use one! I believe the only thing we can do is start putting these up around the metroplex and see if more people start recycling or not. Trial and Error never hurt anyone. I do think though that this will be very effective. I know I sound kinda weird but It sounds kinda fun!
I defiantly think this is something all stores. Like Andi said trial and error never hurt anyone. If a store really wanted to make a good impression with lots of people they would at least try one of these machines.