Glass Trash Can?

There's a weird debate going on with my friends right now about my choice to have see-thru, glass trash cans in my house.    These trash cans are just in the office and bathrooms, not in the kitchen or areas where you REALLY need a good, durable trash can.

These aren't really glass trash cans, but really durable, thick, tall vases.    But I loved the look of something see-thru on the dark wood floors.

But my friends immediately thought---since I am Mr. Green Jeans---that I did this to make people feel bad about throwing anything away.  If you can see it, then it makes you want to throw away less.

Do you think if trash cans were see-thru, then we would be a bit more aware of we "throw away?"  (even though there is no "away" really)?    Ponder it...

That said, I updated my handpoured beeswax candles the other day.  I bought a sheet of beeswax, cut it into a circle and put it on top of the candle.  Just punched a hole to let the wick through.  I am really with this result.

Comments

[TACE]

Cool, I like it. I like it as a funky arty trash can and I like it as a *statement* about trash. Is it weird I think we SHOULD feel guilty about any trash we have to throw away? (anything non-recyclable etc) I sort of hope that the combined guilt of a zillion people trying a little bit harder every day will lead to some trash revolutions down the road. haha

[kari Kim]

Yes! I do think people will be more likely to think before they toss. I love the trash cans labeled "Land Fill", wow that really makes you think!

[ck]

Yes. It would be so cool to etch the glass trash can with 'Land Fill'.

[Barnastil]

I´d go against throwing garbage in a see thru container unless it´s only paper. Garbage says a lot about people and you may be inadvertently telling your guests too much about yourself. Would you put your underwear in a glass chest of drawers?

[happyathome]

Those beeswax candles are nicey nice! As for the glass trash can, would not have thought about the green concept behind it, but not too keen of it being in the bathroom! Office is not an issue. I use to work for Waterworks and they featured a line with a glass trash can, sometimes used as flower vases....hmmmm....just the opposite as you did!
http://lifeislikechampagne.blogspot.com/

[denise f in c'ville, va]

as a woman i'd hate see through trash containers in the bathroom.

the sheet of beeswax seems to be the perfect touch!

[Meagan]

I had the same thought, happyathome. I am new to this blog but it's clear this not a super female friendly idea!

[heidi]

I agree with the other comment - girls need trash cans with a lid! Love the candles - I'm into using microwave soy wax poured into etched monogram glasses I find at thrift stores - they make great host gifts as well.

[m]

Why don't you etch the garbage can too? It would be personal to you, and semi camo the garbage. Functional artwork.....

[steph322]

I agree with happyathome and denise f- not in the bathroom! :)

[christagirl]

Love the idea of etching the garbage can!! Brilliant!!

[Nick]

This is an idea I've been toying with for a while, and Pottery Barn actually has some very large vases (impractically large for the intended use, really, and way to expensive, and made in China, blah blah) that closely emulate the form of a trash can. I agree with you, Danny, and think this glassed-in-garbage an excellent idea. I've even begun thinking about the relative merits of littering as a positive social force -- I believe we should be happy living around everything we create, and maybe if we had to wade through even just a fraction of the crap we produce we would more carefully consider our impact. People naturally have an 'out of site, out of mind' mentality, and things like this keep you from comfortably forgetting the unpleasant. So I say -- Knock over trash cans! Display your used tampons! (or better yet, use a keeper) And why not use a glass chest of drawers -- what a beautiful object that could be.

[barnastil]

Why not a glass chest of drawers? I just think that there are some things that don´t need to be in plain sight. People put medicine cabinets and such to not have their tampons, condoms, or preparation H out there for every visitor to see.

Anyways, back to the glass...It kind of goes against the philosophy of the house I think. It seems like you have a really comfy country vibe going on there and the glass I would associate more with a minimalist feeling where it´s not something you really want to stand out...I think I would go with something like a dented galvanized or aged pail or even one that is painted with the same paint as the door knocker. The silver would really stand out against those dark wood floors and keep a homey country look.

[Shannon]

It's the no-liner thing that freaks me out, personally. I thought about doing this too, but I don't throw away the best-looking trash — paper — just gross stuff like chewed gum that needs a liner. Let's not even talk about the bathroom.

[Mike@EasyGreensy]

Did I miss you mentioning a story with Maria Meniunos for Hollywood Green? Just wondering because I just saw it.

[Elizabeth]

in the office yes, but not in a bathroom. though now that i write it, why do you really need a "trash" can in the office? isn't it essentially a paper recyling bin?

[Eri]

I wouldn't want my personal garbage in that bin. Though I'd be enticed to throw colorful trash in there.

[Barbara]

That's a great idea to have see through trash cans. We must be aware of the trash we generate. I got rid of the trash can in my office at work to make me aware of the trash I generate.

[Jhon]

I'm impressed with you good and very informative article.

[annie]

I'm impressed with you good and very informative article.

graeat stuff

agree with u jhon

[J. Dakar]

I do believe that if trash cans were see-through, we'd be a bit more wary of throwing away trash. In fact, I'm on the hunt for a see-through trash can as I type!

[noel lynch]

That sounds like a great idea. Love your blog.
Also, liked the auctioneering article. I'm an auctioneer myself here in London, UK, as well as being chair of the Green Party.
Keep it up.
Noel Lynch
http://theonlygreenroom.blogspot.com/

[Candle Glass]

Wow, i've never seen a glass trash can before and i'm loving it! Need to go buy one (if i could find it) :-) btw, the candle looks absolutely gorgerous!