Have I ever mentioned I have an office mate, but we NEVER speak to each other? It’s a little weird. It’s like we both pretend the other doesn’t exist. Really. We do not speak. Ever.
I have, however, observed that he goes through about 6 of those polystyrene cups every day. Every day! He gets a new one each time he gets a cup of coffee, then a new one a couple of times in the afternoon for water.
But wait, it gets worse. Workplace provides polystyrene recycling in the kitchen. So, theoretically, he could drop his used cup into the bin, then get a fresh one if he so desired. But, no. He does not do that. Do you know where he throws his numerous, wasteful cups?
INTO THE OFFICE PAPER RECYCLER.
I feel this is worthy of several Green Team Citations. I end up fishing the cups out of the recycler and bringing them to the kitchen with me, when I go get coffee IN MY MUG.
You and I have very similar experiences in the work place when it comes to someone using those styrafoam/plastic cups! We have plenty of reusable cups in the cubboards but someone (I think it’s my boss) keep using the cups that cannot be recycled. I think the idea of WASHING DISHES (gasp!) is too much for these people. Drives me crazy!
Amen, friend!
You should leave him a post-it telling him off! Or at least, telling him the right wayt o dispose of his cups. Do it after he’s gone for the day so he’ll never know it was you.
OR, you could buy him a mug, which would stop him from using the cups and possibly start a conversation.
I have extra mugs. Plenty extra. I am on campus at least twice a week. Do you want I should donate a mug for you to gently encourage more responsible officemate behavior?
Oh, that would drive me up a wall!
your obsessively recycling friend, Dar
jenny – may be moving to the seattle area…would love to get your ideas on where to move, how to survive outside of la…
You know what makes an awesome Christmas present from one officemate to another? This mug.
Also, I would take a photo of the kind of cup your office uses (background: dispenser or community area, not his desk), make a big “no smoking”-style symbol around it, and put it on the office paper bin. You are doing MOTHER EARTH a favor.
like jayare and edward (hi edward!) say get him a mug. tis the gifty season afterall.
this kinda stuff makes me glad i have never worked in an office.
ditto the giving trend…might I suggest a starbucks Hong Kong mug?
Camille: I hear you cluckin, chicken.
Tacoma Friend: High five, Green Team.
Jayare: He would definitely know the post-it was from me. I just found out though, that my team is moving offices next month. Maybe I can plan a missive befoer I go.
Ed: I’m not sure I’m ready for a mug confrontation, but if you’re on campus, let’s have lunch!
dar: I know. I try not to focus on it. I just dutifully fish his cups and cans out of the paper recycler and tattle to the internets about him.
Fizzle! Hi! I emailed you. I am in favor of this move to Seattle. I think you would like it here.
Swistle: That mug rules! Also I like your idea about the “no” sign. Again, he would know it was me, thoug!
Maya: You would have the guts to say something, I bet. Unfortunately, I think there are some cultural differences that are contributing to recycling not occurring to him.
Heather: Ooh! I want one of those! Screw him!