Late last week, I spotted a City of Tucson streets department worker marking the sidewalks outside my house. Being the curious type, I went out to ask him why he was doing such a thing.
Answer: The sidewalks that have shifted or buckled need to be replaced.
Well, to me such a task spells just one thing: O-P-P-O-R-T-U-N-I-T-Y.
As mentioned previously, I am a huge fan of landscaping projects that use recycled demolition debris. That stuff is called “urbanite.” And here comes a huge supply, right in my own block!
I asked the streets guy if I could have some of the debris from this neighborhood’s sidewalk removal and replacement.
Answer: No. The debris has to be taken to the landfill.
Well, yesterday was sidewalk demolition day on my block, and once again, I went outside to ask the crew if I could take some of the urbanite. Again, the answer was no.
So, here you have it, urbanite gone…
…and dumped in the landfill.
I can’t help thinking of all the retaining walls, raised bed gardens, water harvesting berms and basins, and patios that could have been built with that urbanite. I mean, come on. This is a very creative neighborhood. I think we could have pleasantly surprised the city with how we recycled the urbanite.
What a waste.