What they are doing is clever, but it is not green. In fact, they are destroying the green movement with PTA. Let me explain.

That sofa and mattress would have been picked up by someone and reused. This is what happens in lower end neighborhoods. The trash man doesn't get that stuff. People who are less fortunate or perhaps entrepreneurial will pick that up use it or sell it. Thus the sofa is used another three years maybe long, increasing the useful life and so on.

This PTA is only accelerating the disposal of these materials because they make them useless. Now, if they took it with them and set it up in their gallery, fine. But they leave them on the street to be seen and ultimately picked up by the garbage company and contributes to the filling of landfills.

Hey, Freddie: I absolutely agree. To me this is sort of making the item completely UN-RECYCLABLE and 100% destined for the local landfill. I see the art aspect to their idea, but i think leaving the items on the side of the road and or street is the issue.

Why not haul it away to an art space and maybe even display it somewhere. As art should be. Love that you came by.

PTA's intention is not meant to be green. Essentially it plays on eco-friendliness by beautifying it's surroundings. A new concept of visual art. In addition to your eco-friendly comment, the beautified trash in most cases is taken by individuals in the community and recycled by being placed in their homes for use.

Hi Guys,

I thank you all for your acknowledgement of our organization. In regards to the overall negative reaction I've seen here, I think you all have overlooked the main idea. It seems there is an issue about the fact that we do indeed leave the trash/art where we found it. This is perhaps our proudest feature about our operation.

Essentially, by leaving the converted trash at the scene of the crime, we are creating awareness. The awareness is is our catalyst. Children in these neighborhoods can feel proud that people care and those who threw the trash out will know they've done wrong. Not to mention, we have received media attention for our work and this has spread to hundreds of communities. We want to expand globally as well.

Additionally, we have taken a responsible role regarding alternatives to trash disposal. If you visit our website (www.publictrashart.com) you will find a page that has options regarding over-sized trash items. With the options, there is a description describing what actually happens to the trash after it is picked up.

I hope my blog has shed some light to the issues mentioned. Thank you all and please help spread the word.

Regards,

Elan-