Environmentalist in Process & the Second Anniversary of MSU’s Recycling Center

Entry #18, September 10, 2011

Environmentalist in Process & the Second Anniversary of MSU’s Recycling Center

Reflection: Here is an example of my development as an environmentalist in process. Over the past several years, the amount of garbage I put out for pick up has dwindled as the amount I take to recycling has increased. Here is one week’s garbage and recycling: The white basket is for garbage and the two black bins are for recycling. I’m not perfect, but I’m getting better. I have a long way to go before I completely get rid of that white basket. Then again, perfection (no waste) may go beyond what I am able or willing to pursue at this point in my life. 

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The fact that Michigan State University opened a major recycling center on September 10, 2009 has made recycling much easier for me and others in our community. The center takes most kinds of recyclable materials, except for styrofoam. Until recently the center only accepted certain kinds of glass, but now it accepts all colors.  For information about the center, go to http://recycle.msu.edu/.  

To think about ways to reduce your impact on the Earth, I recommend the book “No Impact Man” by Colin Beaven as well as the documentary movie based on his book. I heard Beaven speak at the Chicago Green Festival in May of 2011, and I was extremely impressed by his thoughtful approach to reducing his footprint upon the Earth. He is a humble person who gives his readers a lot to contemplate. For information about the book and Beaven’s work, go to http://www.colinbeavan.com/.  For information about the movie go to http://www.noimpactdoc.com/index_m.php. 

Copyright© 2011 by Paulette L. Stenzel for text and photo.