For as long as there have been government-sponsored recycling programs, there has been wish-cycling—if not the word itself, then the logistical nightmare it represents. Within the context of, say, throwing a potato chip bag into the recycling and trusting it will be properly processed (it won’t be), the term, coined in 2015 by recycling executive Bill Keegan, speaks to ignorance on the part of the consumer and exasperation on the part of the industry over poor sorting habits, contamination and inadequate infrastructures. Wish-cycling (also known as aspirational recycling) is increasingly evoked in conversations about the plight of thrift shops, which regularly find themselves inundated with poor-quality items that cannot be sold on. Much like the potato chip bag in the recycling container, these garments must be diverted and disposed of on the charity’s dime.1 This story is from Kinfolk Issue Forty-Two Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium. Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables. Arts & Culture Design Issue 51 How to Make a Chair And do it on a tiny budget. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Odd Jobs The comedian with strong opinions about your home décor. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Tall Order The hidden depths of height. Arts & Culture Films Issue 51 Vicky Krieps An interview with the actor.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables.
