The Bridgeway Recycling Processing Program allows people to recycle aluminum cans for cash.

Get paid for those empty beer cans

By: Bradford Baxter

Posted: 3/29/06

Environmental issues have been a mainstay in American politics for some time. Issues like global warming, pollution, water contamination and several others have all been debated in the American political scene.

One ongoing environmental issue is recycling. Recycling is the ability to take certain waste materials and re-use them for new materials. Such materials include plastics, glass, aluminum and paper.

According to the Illinois Recycling Association, "Using energy requires the consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels and involves emissions of numerous air and water pollutants. Manufacturing items from recycled material uses less energy than making those items from raw natural resources. Recycling saves enough energy each year to provide heat and light for 400,000 Illinois homes."

There are many blue bins all over Western's campus designed to hold recyclable materials. The Physical Plant is responsible for taking all of the university's recyclable materials. In addition, the Physical Plant will pay 32 cents per pound for aluminum cans.

The Strategic Plan developed by the university administration is to make preparations for a more environmentally-conscious campus including:

•Incorporate a purchasing preference for recycled and environmentally-friendly products.

•Decrease solid waste production and improve the recycling program.

•Conduct an energy audit and seek ways to improve energy efficiency and water conservation.

•Continue to enhance the university landscapes with sensitivity to issues of maintenance and water conservation and preference for species native to Illinois.

•Review transportation systems in light of health, safety and environmental issues with particular attention to the use of all vehicles and vehicular traffic.

•Evaluate sources of pollution.

•Consider prevention and reduction.

•Pursue mitigation and develop and begin to implement a plan to address any identified deficiencies.

The College Greens is a political student organization that advocates environmental awareness. The group is planning an Earth Week celebration starting April 22, which may include a campus clean up/picnic, hosting a student/faculty panel on environmental issues, guest speakers and a battle of bands.

Charles Bragg, senior law enforcement and justice administration major, said he supports recycling.

"My family recycles back home and they passed it down to me. When I go to throw away my garbage I try and sort it out and recycle everything that's eligible. I think it's important for our planet and our future to recycle," Bragg said.

Brian Affrunti, senior sociology major, said he sees the advantages of recycling.

"Before I really didn't care about the environment, but I have changed recently from my classes and my recent education on environmental issues. It's very important that everyone at Western helps to chip in and we all can make a difference."