In the bathrooms of most dorms there are two containers, one is for trash and the other for recycling. We are supposed to place glass, plastic and aluminum in the recycling containers. Time after time all of us have seen both the trashcan and the recycling can filled to the brim with paper, cans and bottles. By not encouraging recycling more the university is failing to contribute to the recycling cause and is throwing away money.

The university’s apathy towards recycling is also apathy towards revenue that recycling can provide in Connecticut. Most aluminum cans and bottles offer a 5 cent refund in Connecticut. If we were to recycle for one week at near 100 percent compliance, it could raise over $10,000 through a program similar to one the Inter-Housing Resident Hall Government ran in the aftermath of Sept. 11.

This is based on the assumption that each of us consumes at least six beverages in either cans or bottles producing 210,000 redeemable items which, at 5 cents a piece, yields $10,500. Any charity or university cause would consider such an amount of money a tremendous financial windfall. Initially, the money made from a can redemption program should sponsor the expansion of recycling here. A policy of can-for-can, placing recycling bins next to trash cans in all locations would be an excellent way to increase the program’s reach.

Fairfield University needs to champion this issue through all media outlets on campus and through campus spokespeople such as Resident Assistants. By promoting the program and increasing access, our recycling rates would grow by leaps and bounds. It comes down to a few simple steps that cost us nothing while helping to make the earth a little greener and our campus a little richer. Why not turn garbage into gold?

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