Bright Bulb: Furlough frenzy

Gov. Martin O’Malley announced furloughs — mandatory days off with no pay — for state employees. Employees with salaries more than $60,000 (O’Malley makes around $150,000) are being required to take five furlough days. In a show of solidarity with state employees, O’Malley said he plans to cut a check to the state for a portion of his salary. No word yet on how much he’s giving back, but we appreciate the fact that he’s not exempting himself.

OUTRAGE: Recycling responsibility

WHO: Baltimore County residents

WHAT: If the statistics are anything to go by, Baltimore County residents are recycling less than ever. Despite a population increase, less trash is being recycled.

WHY it’s a bad idea: Why should the county increase pickups? And why should it start a recycling promotion campaign? Recycling should be something people do automatically at this point in time. Saving cans for two weeks may be slightly inconvenient. But it hardly can be described as a sacrifice. The county could make it easier on residents, however, by picking up all types of recyclables each week instead of alternating paper and plastics, aluminum and glass.

WHERE to learn more: earth911.com