When Did New York City Become a Dumpster Fire? (Literally)
Let's talk trash. Or rather, let’s talk about the time New York City turned into one giant, smelly dumpster. You know, the kind where you're pretty sure a raccoon is plotting your demise from within the depths of the rotting banana peel.
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| When Was The Garbage Strike In New York City |
The Great Garbage Strike of '68
We're talking about the year 1968. Woodstock was happening, the Summer of Love was in full swing, and New York City was... well, it was becoming a bit of a stinkfest. The city’s sanitation workers decided they’d had enough and went on strike. And when we say strike, we mean strike. No garbage pickup for nine whole days!
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
Can you imagine? Nine days of your neighbors' rotting leftovers wafting through your apartment window. Your dog trying to bury bones in the middle of the street. And let's not forget the rats. Oh, the rats. They were having a field day. It was like a scene out of a horror movie, but with less gore and more garbage.
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
How Did They Handle It?
The city was in chaos. People were burning their trash in the streets. Some brave souls even tried to haul their garbage to New Jersey (we're not sure how that turned out). Mayor Lindsay was sweating more than a pizza delivery guy on a Friday night.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
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Eventually, with the help of the National Guard and some serious negotiations, the strike ended. But the image of New York City as a garbage-strewn wasteland was etched into the city’s history.
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
So, the next time you complain about your trash not being picked up, spare a thought for the people of New York City in 1968. They had it way worse.
How To...
- How to avoid being a garbage person: Recycle, compost, and reduce your waste. It's not rocket science, people.
- How to deal with a garbage emergency: Invest in some heavy-duty trash bags and a good pair of rubber gloves. And maybe a hazmat suit. Just kidding (kind of).
- How to appreciate sanitation workers: They do a tough job. Maybe leave a thank-you note with their tip next time.
- How to survive a garbage apocalypse: Stock up on canned food, water, and air fresheners. And learn how to build a fire. Just in case.
- How to start a garbage revolution: Organize a neighborhood cleanup day. Or run for mayor and promise to keep the city clean.
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