Opinion: Recycling this Fourth of July

July 2 | Category: Perspective Pieces | Written by Kathryn Breznau

As Americans, we respect and honor the long history of freedom, equality and personal rights that represent the United States commitment to its people. We fly the flag proudly on this Fourth of July holiday because we know that each of us is a citizen with a role to play in our country’s success. That role is a necessary foundation in the preservation of freedom, equality and personal rights…it is individual responsibility. All fails without it

The earth, aka the natural world, is also a system not unlike a country, its government and its people. Its systems create a balanced support for all life, with every element a part to play. If any element fails to fulfill its role, the system becomes unbalanced and will endeavor to find a way to rebalance. 

If you have watched TV shows on earth’s history, you know the plot. Destabilization of the eco-system, aka climate change, followed by eco-system death, chaos, and a very long path to a new balanced system. And remember, history is just a story about what used to be present day.  Think people, aka dinosaurs.

If I have successfully engaged your attention, don’t push the panic button or do..whatever it takes to put you in action in bringing your behavior into alignment with the earth’s systems,,,the goal being to stabilize the system and to secure your place in it. 

You know the issues: poisoning of air, land and water and over-consumption of resources. The causes are myriad, so let’s start with a simple baby step….reduce…reuse…recycle.

As a baby step into the world of responsible consumption, recycling has established systems that are widely accessible. It doesn’t get any easier in terms of lifestyle adjustments. Kent County Recycling Center has a website with in depth recycling guides, 3 full time staff educators to help with your questions and a drop off center right in our neighborhood for recyclables that cannot go into curbside recycling bins. Like I said, it doesn’t get any easier. The rest is up to you. 

Previous
Previous

A Brief History of Recycling in America

Next
Next

Trivia Goes Green at Third Nature Brewery