by Christopher Rini ‘15
Recycling at Saint Ignatius is still in its infancy and has much room for improvement, but already it is an effective program that with plans to expand. Although the bins serve only as receptacles for paper, plastic, and cardboard, they don’t serve that purpose all that often, it
turns out.
Mr. Nolan, moderator of the student Green Team and the head faculty member responsible for the recycling program, says that as a young program, we aren’t yet recycling enough both in terms of participation and what we recycle. In the works are plans to begin composting (a type of a recycling of organic materials) as much of the food as we can at school, and to make forays into the recycling of small electronics. Also, more emphasis will be put on all three R’s of recycling: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Considering these three, Mr. Nolan advises everyone to, “reduce how much they use, use reusable containers, and recycle everything you can.”
Most importantly for improving recycling at Saint Ignatius is ameliorating the problem of the simple fact that students choose not to recycle even when it is available right in front of them. For a lot of kids, just walking an extra five feet to throw that can in the recycling is a burden that they see no worth in doing. So while improvements on the technical parts of recycling are going to be made, the charge of recycling lies in the students’ willingness to recycle and the understanding of its importance.
Right now, that willingness and understanding is neglected by the student body. Mr. Nolan tells The Eye that, “We’re going to work on education, so that kids are more in tune with the spiritual side of recycling. Part of the Jesuit philosophy and teaching curriculum is care for the environment and the gifts God has given us.” Despite this unfortunate setback, the recycling program saves energy, saves money, and cuts down on waste for the school. With just more willingness and compliance to recycle, all of these positive outcomes will grow.
So in conclusion, Mr Nolan’s message of advice about recycling to the student body is simply “Walk the extra five feet.”
