Recycling Hype May Have Some Merit

Anyone who hasn’t been living in a box for the last couple years knows that “going green” is a national step towards preserving our planet. And everyone (okay, mostly everyone) is taking part in it.

In the last little while, it’s become almost politically correct to be “green”. Being “green” has taken quite a positive turn from five years ago when “green” meant you were jealous and people made fun of you for it.

Yes, recycling and preserving our planet has become quite the phenomenon, but this is one trend that actually makes some sense. And that’s something that RHS has taken notice of.

“REACT” is a new club at RHS that promotes environmental pride. They’re responsible for the cans labeled “paper only”. They’re very committed to preserving our planet, and they’re starting with the school.

“The goal of the club is to promote environmental awareness, to get people to recycle,” said Michael Valdez, the advisor of the club. Seniors Candice Schramm and Keira Rosenlund help him run the club.

This is the first year Valdez has headed the club. It was previously headed by the human biology department.

There’s a very good reason that all of this environmental awareness is going on.

According to paper recycles (www.paperrecycles.org), only about 56 percent of all the paper used in the United States is recovered for recycling. The rest goes into landfills, which takes up much of our nation’s landscapes.

Not only is this affecting our environment, it’s affecting us.

According to sustainable plastics (www.sustainableplastics.org), plastics that are made from non-renewable petroleum and natural gases not only threaten the environment but also human health, species maintenance, and ocean life.

While all this recycling hype may seem overdone and not very important, is actually very important. Recycling papers, plastics, cardboards, and other materials may very well sustain the life of our planet and it will certainly keep us in good health.

So, don’t be afraid. Recycle, recycle, recycle. It will help in the long run, and really, it’s not that hard. Valdez and the “REACT” club are onto a great start, and the school would do well to follow their lead.