Dead Cars

Seawall & Beliefs

In Bethel, Alaska, dead cars once formed a seawall to combat erosion, highlighting the town's unique approach to waste management. Diane McEachern recounts how these cars, though effective in halting erosion, were deemed an environmental hazard due to leaking battery acid and gasoline, leading to their removal 1. The Yupik tradition, which imbues natural elements with a spirit called "yuk," underscores the cultural tension between modern waste and traditional beliefs. Diane McEachern reflects on this clash, noting, "We produce, and we consume. And then what happens to it? It stays here. It stays on the planet."

We produce, and we consume. And then what happens to it? It stays here. It stays on the planet.

--- Diane McEachern

This sentiment captures the broader issue of materialism and environmental impact, not just in Bethel but globally.

   

Waste & Isolation

Bethel's isolation exacerbates its waste problem, with everything arriving by plane or barge and rarely leaving. Roman Mars describes the town as a hub where junk accumulates due to the lack of road connections to the outside world 2. The Bethel airport, a graveyard for abandoned cars, illustrates this issue, as vehicles are often left by travelers who never return. Diane McEachern notes the difficulty in managing these cars, stating, "The cars keep accumulating, and now they're a major headache."

The cars keep accumulating, and now they're a major headache.

--- Diane McEachern

This accumulation reflects a broader challenge of waste management in remote areas.

   

Disposable Culture

Bethel's disposable culture is evident in its treatment of vehicles, often used until they break down and then abandoned. Roman Mars likens Bethel's cars to burner phones, used until they "run out of minutes" 3. Despite this, the community exhibits resourcefulness, repurposing parts from dead cars to maintain others. Diane McEachern highlights this ingenuity, explaining, "People tend to hold onto their stuff for a long time. Even broken stuff, very little gets thrown away."

People tend to hold onto their stuff for a long time. Even broken stuff, very little gets thrown away.

--- Diane McEachern

This blend of disposability and resourcefulness characterizes Bethel's unique approach to material goods.