Garbologie: zrcadlo konzumní společnosti

Abstract

Garbology has shown great potential in its ability to contribute to social sciences since the seventies of the previous century. Nevertheless, it is yet to gain full recognition by Czech academia and most Czech studies of waste remain primarily concerned with environmental or economic issues. The presented research aims to shed light on the consumption patterns of two urban sites in the Pilsen region: Vinice‘s large communal buildings and Sylvan‘s attractive blocks of flats, constructed over the course of the past two decades. Thematically, we focus on households‘ bias towards either Czech or foreign commodities, brands, and the amount of resources watsed, which in turn attests to the extent of planning involved in Czech households´ consumption patterns. The research was conducted at the municipal waste landfill in Chotíkov. During four weeks in the field we analyzed in detail over 3,000 pieces of garbage with a total weight exceeding 130 kg. Records were digitized directly in the field using a tablet. Preliminary results indicate qualitative differences in consumption in the surveyed sites. The differences are reflected in both the preference of certain brands of goods, and in the amount of discarded food. Also, the research identified large amount of potentially recyclable waste in the municipal solid waste. The results of the research indicate the potential of garbology in shedding light on contemporary social practices associated with waste.