Can we talk about people rinsing recyclables in hot water?
I noticed at our apartment complex recycling bins that folks are running plastic containers under the hot tap for like 2 minutes before tossing them in, and it drives me nuts. Hot water actually uses a ton of energy to heat, so you're basically burning coal just to clean a ketchup bottle that's headed for a high-heat recycling process anyway. A quick rinse in cold water with the leftover soap from your dishes does the same job, no extra energy cost. I tested this myself after hearing our waste guy complain about moldy yogurt tubs, and cold water got them just as clean with way less effort. Plus you save on your water heater bill over a year, which is like maybe $40 for a family of four according to my cousin who works for the utility. Has anyone else noticed this habit and tried to change it in their building?