Objects in Mirror: May 12, 2009 Archive

Share your insight: Is the economy getting better or worse?

Posted at 10:49 AM on May 12, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

Help inform MPR's news coverage. My colleagues in Public Insight Journalism are currently looking for your help on the economy. Is the economy getting better or worse?

How would you describe your current financial outlook? Bright? Worrisome? Bleak? Share your insight and help us tell the story.

Are you throwing away less garbage?

Posted at 3:58 PM on May 12, 2009 by Julia Schrenkler

MPR's Paul Tosto opened an interesting discussion on MinnEcon, bold mine:

We're always on the lookout for unusual economic indicators. So Jeane Nelson of Monticello got me thinking when she wrote in to tell us that she and her husband were planning to get rid of their trash pickup, in part, to save money in this economy.

Made sense to me. My in-laws, bless them, are in their late 70s/early 80s. With frugal natures born in the Great Depression, they produce so little garbage they can easily pass a bag to a visiting child to throw in their pail.

But could it be a trend in this economy? Do we dispose of less garbage in a recession?

I'd like to read and possibly feature your answers. Join the online discussion now.