By Cheyenne Johnson, Contributing Writer
Recycling can save environmental conditions and help decrease pollution. This is why Saint Leo University takes recycling very seriously.
First one should understand how recycling can have a positive effect on our environment. When some people think about recycling they think it is disgusting because it is basically taking old, used materials and making new products out of them. What people do not understand is that this helps save our natural resources, which helps maintain a balance in nature. Recycling also helps in saving money. Instead of having to produce freshly made material, they clean and remanufacture the recycled goods.
Saint Leo makes recycling very easy. There are recycling bins located all around the school. For example in the Donald R. Tapia School of Business building there are recycling bins located right next to the staircase that are marked with where each recyclable material should go. It is very self-explanatory. There are also recycling garbage cans outside of the Cafeteria as well as outside of the Learning Resource Center. Not to mention the recycling that is subtle: if anyone has noticed the water fountains on campus have a spot where you can refill your water bottle. This helps not use so much plastic, which is beneficial for the environment.
According to Frank Mezzanini, Saint Leo actually pays Waste Management to accept the schools recycling materials. He also stated that “Last year we collected 17 tons of plastic, glass, and aluminum and 38 tons of mixed paper and cardboard.”
Though when one looks at it from a student’s perspective, recycling is not that big of an issue for some. According to Junior Danny Lupo, “When I am at home I do recycle, but when I am in college there isn’t any recycling bins so I don’t recycle.” He also stated that he feels other students do not think recycling is important because they don’t see the negative effects it has on our environment. This goes to show that students are not educated enough in how recycling is of such importance. It also shows that Saint Leo needs to find a way to promote recycling and allow students to know where they can recycle around campus.
Florida is very lenient when it comes to recycling. Junior Patrick Puzzo made a point in saying “I don’t recycle unless I’m home where it may be required in the state of New Jersey.” He also states that he believes “Only 2% of Saint Leo students probably recycle, but half the time people just through plastic and bottles on the ground.” In his last comment he says “Recycling isn’t very popular.” Now if Florida had strict recycling laws such as New Jersey does, maybe our environment here would be a little cleaner.
If Saint Leo raises recycling awareness, this year we will be able to recycle more than just 17 tons of plastic, glass, and aluminum, 38 tons of mixed paper and cardboard. It will be an accomplishment if all the students around Saint Leo start to recycle more often.
