Dumped and being quiet

First off apologies for a lack of posting lately. Unfortunately everyday life tasks took over for a bit and its been quite hectic. But now time for my next post/article/tip (it actually feels ages since I last put pen to paper!). Actually this one is not a tip as such as its about a new TV show on Channel 4. Its called Dumped and its about a group of people being taken and literally "dumped" at a landfill site. Their task, to live off the dump and recycle what they can from the mounds of waste. Pretty hardcore if you ask me! Now I'm not a huge fan of reality tv programs and for the most part I hate them with a passion. But this one is actually quite good. And why is this?

Well it has a collection of "colourful" characters or should we say volunteers, and for once they are not quite as annoying as Big Brother. Now thats a major plus! One participant, Darren Lumsden quite proudly claimed that he wears a new pair of pants everyday and throws out the "old" ones. Everyday! Now thats is simply insane, generates a huge amount of unnecessary waste in a year and costs an absolute packet as well! I suppose one could say if he can afford it let him on, its his choice. But unfortunately this disposable attitude acts like a virus. Even Darren says he can't be bothered to recycle as he believes he pays enough tax as it is, someone else should do it and its not his problem. How does one tackle this way of thinking?

Well one extreme way was to take part in this reality tv program. It will be interesting to see if Darren's views will change at the end. The other participants come from wide ranging backgrounds, and one in particular, Selena Lethbridge-Carr is already a passionate recycler. She is extremely passionate about the whole topic to the point of being very upfront and in peoples face. Too much for some maybe but sometimes its good to have someone like this around. I actually identify with her in a way, especially when she describes her work recycling efforts. I've had similar situations arise at my work (read her profile on the Dumped web site for more).

Overall I recommend tuning in. Its not a bad program and for once for a reality show, is trying to do some good and actually make a valuable contribution to society! And it is quite scary when you see what "stuff" people have thrown away that could be reused. Makes one think, which is the whole idea! For more details check out the shows web site at Channel 4: http://www.channel4.com/lifestyle/green/dumped/volunteers/index.html