A phrase we are all familiar with is “Reuse, Reduce, Recycle”. The three R’s emphasize the importance of keeping the environment clean and healthy. Over the years, our values have changed, driving the focus away from advocating for a better environment. These changes can be seen in our own school.  

Our school has provided each classroom with a blue bin for recycling, but teachers and students have noticed that these bins aren’t used for their original purpose. Instead of being recycled, the waste in the recycling bins has been mixed with regular waste, yet very few people have brought the situation into question. Why is recycling important?

After visiting Recycling Guide.org, The Maroon found that recycling is the best and easiest way for people to help out the environment. As we were all taught at a young age, recycling helps reduce pollution, and reduces the need for raw material which helps preserve natural resources. Recycling can also help create less space in landfills, so that they can be filled with non-recyclable waste, and give more space for people in the area.     

This situation does not seem like such a big deal to many people who believe that forgetting to recycle won’t make a drastic difference in the environment, but it can. It is more suitable to start getting into the habit of recycling before getting into the bad habit of not doing so.

How can students at BOYCP help? Students can make a change by making sure to throw recyclable items into the blue bin only. Recyclable items include: Newspapers ( hopefully not this one ), all plastic bottles, glass bottles, paper, aluminum cans, etc. Stay away from throwing items such as food, napkins, and other used items.

Get it together BOYCP, and let’s save the planet one piece of trash at a time!   

By: Marlen Gongora