To the Editor:

I have a concern I wish to briefly share. The concern is personal but can easily translate to a global scale.

I believe that it is important for everyone to respect the Earth on which we live, especially in this environmentally-enlightened age. Many of us are aware of the various environmental issues floating about on the news, in the classroom and at the dinner table.

We are aware of the harm landfills pose to the environment. We are aware of the precious renewable and unrenewable resources available to us. We know about the greenhouse effect and the fact that the ozone layer is vital to our survival, yet we help speed up its depletion.

Out of respect for this planet and for our fellow humans I believe it is essential to recycle. Essential for the continuation of a livable Earth for Americans, our children and the entire world.

Let’s admit it though, recycling can be a pain in the butt. And although I’m all for recycling, I do not presently recycle because it is a pain in the butt. We all have so much to worry about in our everyday lives and recycling might be at the top of the list. However we have to decide what are our priorities in getting through the day and recycling is not presently a priority for many people.

Maybe when we seriously must recycle in order to survive, when we begin to really feel the affects of our ruler, Mother Nature, then we will do so.

Here’s what I have to do to recycle. I’ve got to create bins which takes a lot of time and energy. Or I can just go buy some. It’s not that easy when you make $300 dollars a month. Rent and food are pretty essential too. Then I’ve got to find a place to put the bins. Presently recycling facilities in Ames accept things like brown, green, and clear glass, milk jugs, tin, cardboard, newspaper etc. That’s a good number of bins. I have to have room in my house or apartment for the bins. If there’s no room in the house but outdoor storage is an option, then I better have weather proof bins.

Say that you can do all this. Next step is to drive all the way to the edge of town and drop the stuff off. I don’t have a car. Should I take it all on the bus? Or I could hire the cheap local guys on the bikes who do a wonderful job. I guess I’d rather spend my $300 a month on more immediate needs.

Recycling presently takes too much individual time and work. I am very concerned though and that’s why I challenge people who are more equipped to come up with a creative and efficient solution so that more people may recycle. People like the Ames City Council, the Student Recycling Committee at ISU, the appropriate departments at Iowa State University, etc. You people are in a much better position than the local guy to find ways to expand recycling.

I understand that we live in a rough and competitive capitalistic culture where business and economic majors hope to land great paying jobs for big companies, and already existing companies compete for the consumers money. Good intentions need to be pursued as well and as fiercely as profits.

To simply suggest curbside recycling, like any plan, pits many and various groups against one another. My challenge to the bright people in government and especially in the environmental movement is to come up with a plan. I know it’s easy for me to urge on this track and do little myself, but I think the leadership, the initiative, the guidance, and the activism needs to come from experts in environmental fields and from decision makers.

I urge the proper people to come up with a workable plan for the average citizen which, for us can be summed up in one word, convenience. My intentions are good, but recycling needs to be more convenient for the local person. Put that convenience within my reach and I will gladly recycle.

Andrew J. Moore

ISU Alumnus