WE DON’T RECYCLE
Recycling at Licking Valley hasn’t always been the center of classroom conversation- but for some, it’s always been a lingering question. Does Licking Valley recycle? Recycling bins are present in every classroom, including the occasional sign differentiating between paper and plastics, and yet none are present in the lunchroom- perhaps the most opportune location to place such bins. Most students even take the extra effort to recycle, berating others for placing a plastic bottle in the trash. So, the big question, does Licking Valley High School recycle? The answer, perhaps not so surprisingly: no.
It’s apparent that the science teachers already knew about our fake recycling program when questioned. They all agreed it’s a terrible thing and recycling is very important. Mr. Weeks mentioned the recycling crisis on a larger level as America no longer sends recycling to China. Even if the school were to recycle, would it really get recycled? It was found that it would likely not be recycled properly, as recycling costs too much and China will no longer accept recycling from the U.S.
According to a recent survey, consisting of 131 student responses, those who attend Licking Valley generally desire to have a recycling program. 85.5% of students report that they care about recycling, with 72.5% claiming that they at least attempt to recycle while in school. These statistics were brought to Mr. Weaver some time ago in a one on one interview with the principal, where he delegated details of school recycling programs, and why it was in the best interest of Licking Valley to drop its prior one. While he understands that students of the school are interested in a recycling program, as global environmental awareness is becoming far more prevalent than ever before, he feels the adoption of one would be fruitless.
With the demonstration of a water bottle, Mr. Weaver explained why a recycling program wouldn’t work. “Somebody, individually, for every bottle, has to take the label off, has to take the cap off, and they have to get that little blue ring off of there, because [each individual part] on the bottle all go to different places.” Which is the reason why even when Licking Valley had a recycling program, with two separate bins outside for both the recycling and trash, recycling was often combined with the trash, because it was too much work to go through and sort the recyclable items. This explains why recycling at school would be a “fruitless” endeavor- because it’s too expensive to pay for a service that often is quite ineffective.
However, recycling is the most important part of the future because anything that is not recycled is put in landfills or dumped. Schools are one of the biggest waste generators in the country and without a proper recycling program, all the contaminants go to the ever-growing landfills. Recycling might come at a great cost but the future is a stake; with 85.5% of students caring about recycling, it should be taken more seriously.
As for efforts to establish some sort of program, a student-led one will soon be arising. On Tuesday, January 21st, a guest speaker from the Licking County Department of Recycling has been scheduled to come in and present on school recycling, and how students can help in creating a recycling club or organization at our school. Everybody is able to attend, but Sophomores and Juniors are especially encouraged, as this club will need stable members for years to come. Pushing environmental awareness at this age is pertinent to bettering our Earth in the future, and we welcome all to join.