Explainer: Revamping recycling at Franklin Pierce
by Tyler Peterson
When Franklin Pierce changed what could be recycled this year, it caused an uproar with students.
(Photo: Verna Delauer)
Recycling is a large component of trying to reduce trash and waste in the United States. According to National Public Radio, “The U.S. used to send a lot of its plastic waste to China to get recycled.” This recently changed though, when China changed their policy on imported waste, making it harder for the U.S. to send their recycling there.
This policy change in China has impacted the Franklin Pierce Recycling Program. The recycling criteria are stricter now with what goes where on campus. There cannot be any type contamination, such as food, or the whole dumpster will be turned into trash and not recycled. Glass cannot be recycled. Neither can plastic bags, films, wraps, or trays. Paper that is coated in another material is not accepted. Recyclables are limited to cardboard, box board, mixed paper, aluminum and steel cans, and cleaned plastic #1 and #2.
Verna Delauer, an Environmental Studies professor, said, “I think it’s important for us to take responsibility for the trash we generate rather than assuming we can do whatever we want, and it will always be taken care of by someone else, somewhere else. In some ways, we have an opportunity to make innovative changes both on campus and off.”
One way that Franklin Pierce is still trying to complete their recycling initiative is by holding the Monadnock Center for Climate Action Kickoff event, Thursday November 14th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Spagnuolo Hall. This is a chance to work with local communities towards a solution as well as propose and discuss ideas to solve the climate crisis.
According to CEOWORLD Magazine, there are five different ways students can be eco-friendly. First way by reducing the amount of paper used. Second, use a reusable water bottle. Third, walk, cycle, or use public transportation. Fourth, recycle and repurpose. Finally, use energy-efficient light bulbs.
