Recycling is the action or process of converting waste into reusable material. By recycling, we can reduce the overuse of natural resources. I believe that we should have recycling bins in our cafeteria and smaller ones in our classrooms.  By recycling plastics, glass, aluminum, and paper we can reduce the amount of money being spent on production and energy 

  The average person disposes of about 7 and a half pounds of garbage daily, and most of that garbage goes into landfills. A considerable amount of people do not realize that new things can be made out of recycled materials. This supports that recycling helps us use products to their full potential. The materials being recycled have already been refined once, having said this, it is then much easier for the materials to be manufactured a second time which cuts back on energy use. Recycling reduces air and water pollution and sustains and preserves natural resources. (Frequently Asked Questions: Benefits of Recycling | Land, Buildings & Real Estate, n.d.) A Google form was sent out and 30 responses were recorded. Twenty-six students agreed that recycling is important, three students were neutral, and one student said that recycling is not important. 

On the Google form, the students were asked if they thought having recycling bins in the cafeteria and in classrooms is a good idea and why. 

Supporting the idea of having recycling bins throughout the school, Aiden Robinson said, “I think that we should have recycling bins in the cafeteria because it's a positive step towards reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices in school.” 

Another student, Kira Smith, stated, “Yes, so much plastic and paper is wasted and not being reused. Especially in a school building where stacks of paper are being used daily.” 

A handful of people do not realize that paper is also recyclable, having the bins in the cafeteria and classrooms would also inform students that things other than plastic are recyclable. 

Jalyssa Zellers responded, “Yes, one simple act in our school can make a large difference and it is important for teens to understand recycling is very important for the environment. These bins could also help them practice recycling in the future. I think it's extremely important for our generation to pursue acts to save the Earth, due to climate change, pollution, (etc).” 

Some students think that it’s a good idea but that in reality it just wouldn’t work the way it is supposed to. Sara Shumaker said, “Yes and No. I feel like students would not respect what they are there for but also I feel that we could make a difference too!” 

Another student, Madalynn Miller, said something similar, “Yes I think we should but I know students that would go against it and throw their trash in them.” 

On the flip side, Joshua Kowalewski stated, “No, this will just cause more headaches for our janitors who already work hard. Also, it will end up costing more money than just throwing everything away detracting from the money we can use for other important aspects of our school.” 

He looked at the idea from the financial point of view, which is good because no one else has mentioned the economic side. He makes a valid point that recycling bins would result in more work for the janitors and cost the school some money. However, I believe that having recycling bins in the cafeteria and in classrooms would emanate the betterment of our school and our environment.