Recycling: The Planet’s Superhero

You walk through a buzzing class to throw away an old Math worksheet. You see both a recycling bin and a trash bin. Which one do you choose?

Many people have heard of recycling, but do they actually do it? Do they really know the benefits? Today, we’re finding out who at Wredling recycles and how much of an impact we can make just by simply tossing a piece of paper into that familiar blue bin.

First, let’s look at the benefits. Recycling is defined as ‘the action or process of converting waste into reusable material.’ By reducing the amount of waste in landfills, we do the environment a huge favor. This sounds like something we all should be doing, but the benefits don’t stop there; recycling saves natural resources and energy while helping to stop worldwide pollution. It even boosts the economy! According to The Carton Council, recycling has created about 534, 506 jobs in just the United States alone. Imagine the global impact if we worked together to recycle.

Wredling students are weighing in regarding their recycling habits. Alexis says that recycling has benefits, although it also has downsides. She also recycles often. Another student, Jayden Janda, also recycles frequently and considers the practice necessary. Dean Street thinks recycling “renews and restores” our planet. It’s inspiring to see so many students making a difference. Thank you to all students who are actively making a difference in the world by choosing to recycle.

Now let’s hear from some of our very own Wredling staff who have let us investigate their recycling cans. Mrs. Franklin rarely throws paper in the garbage, though she notices her recycling bin isn’t always full because some students often throw out recyclables in the trash. In comparison, Dr. McGuire finds that his recycling bin is quite full at the end of the day.

Mrs. Van Sickle, one of our librarians who handles countless paper every day, says she only throws paper in the garbage about 5% of the time, leaving the LRC’s recycling bin to the brim with paper, cardboard, and recyclable material. Mr. Springborn agrees that recycling is a good idea, even if it isn’t always the easiest or most convenient choice for everyone. He also finds his recycling bin to be halfway full with paper by the time the final bell rings.

Thankfully, Wredling is filled with amazing students and teachers fulfilling their roles as global citizens. However, there is still work to be done. One of our future goals should be placing recycling bins in the pods and the lunchroom alongside the garbage cans.

Next time you see that famiiliar recycling bin, do your part. Help your classmates organize what is truly trash and what can be given a second life and reused in the near future.

Special thanks to the 7th-grade AVID students for their help gathering data and investigating!