I recently took a trip to the northwest from NYC.  The best thing about it? Knowing that Alaska Airlines makes an effort to recycle.

Since Alaska Airlines doesn’t typically operate out of my airports of choice (JFK or LGA) I usually fly on one of their partner carriers when I do travel.  But my trip to Portland, OR took me from JFK to LAX (via partner airline), and then from LAX to PDX (on Alaska).

On the second leg of our flight I nearly jumped out of my seat when I heard the flight attendant over the PA system request passengers to keep their recyclables separate including cans, and newspapers and magazines.  Sure enough, when they came down the aisle to collect ‘trash’ they had two bags!  They were also emptying the plastic cups and putting those in the recycle bag too!

Of course, I don’t know what happened to the stuff after they took it back.  And who knows what happens on the ground in Portland when they clean the planes.  But, I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt on this one and give them a big thumbs up for doing it right.  They nailed the education (announcement) and the execution (collection).  Good job Alaska Airlines.  Keep up the good work.