Action

Waking up this morning, I didn’t have the same opinion as I do now. My mindset was plain and simple: Covanta’s new plan for recycling would help steer Indianapolis in the right direction. Our visit today completely reset my opinions and outlook for the future of recycling. For reasons unknown, visually observing how clean and organized a recycling company can function really made me realize that single stream recycling like we saw today is the more truthful answer.

Now the truthful way isn’t alway the easiest option. Doing the “right” things is not the easiest path, that’s human nature. However, now that our society creates such quantities of waste, we have finally realized the issue cannot be buried away. From Rick’s educational informational session to the tour itself, it was always a clear message: recycling is the “right” path for a sustainable community.

The challenge remains in the construction of this sustainable community. The lack of education provided to all is the main constitute for people not pushing more for recycling. Waste numbers are unbelievably high in the U.S. alone. Citizens are aware of the benefits of recycling; but only aware. They go throughout their daily lives lacking the knowledge of why recycling is so beneficial and the first step. Education needs to be provided and be given more emphasis on working towards a sustainable community. I will be doing so with my community in Hogate; educating, motivating, and acting towards a more sustainable community. Every small step counts when its in the “right” direction. I plan to take an hour and talk to as many Hogate residents and educate them on where they can recycle and why. I plan to elaborate later on how that turns out. But because I feel there needs to be a push I found a website that lays it all out there for. ReCommunity Recycling. I’m simply going to have a conversation with people and ask them if they recycle. Yay or nay, do they know that DePauw is single stream recycling? More than likely, they aren’t educated on DePauw’s waste management. Connecting with my peers and answering recycle question will hopefully trigger students to live more sustainably. We’ll have to wait and see how effective my educating goes.