Bright student
To the Editor:
I would like to applaud the team who worked with me at the polls at York Township. Our focus, as citizens of our community, was to do our part in the process of securing the future for our country, our families and the freedoms we live by.
I was very impressed by Miss Emily Lanman, a very bright Switzerland County High School student, who was part of our team. She took the role of Judge very seriously. She studied what the position represented and was very prepared to take on that task.
I was personally amazed that a young student, whole-heartedly, could apply herself so well, with a great attitude, a friendly smile, and such energy.
Emily, you should be very proud. I’m proud of you.
Lois McKay
East Enterprise
Recycling
To the Editor:
On November 15th, Americans will celebrate America Recycles Day. Recycling is a simple way in which everyone in Madison and the Ohio River Valley can protect the environment, preserve our natural resources, and contribute to the economic well-being and security of our nation.
Recycling protects the environment in many ways. When manufacturers make new products out of the materials we recycle, they reduce the water and air pollution normally created by the process. For instance, recycled paper supplies more than 37 percent of the raw materials used to make new paper products in the U.S. Without recycling, more trees would be cut down.
Recycling also saves energy. For example, it takes 95 percent less energy to recycle aluminum than it does to make it from raw materials. Making recycled steel saves 60 percent, recycled newspaper 40 percent, recycled plastics 70 percent, and recycled glass 40 percent. Saving energy and conserving other natural resources have become issues of national security.
Recycling contributes to our economy as well by creating more jobs than throwing recyclables in the trash. According to the National Recycling Coalition, recycling creates four jobs for every one job created in the waste management and disposal industries. In fact, the recycling industry is comparable in size to the auto and truck manufacturing industry. Recycling creates 1.1 million U.S. jobs, $236 billion in gross annual sales and $37 billion in annual payrolls.
When our government agencies invest in local recycling programs, it pays great dividends by creating private sector jobs. For every job collecting recyclables, there are 26 jobs in processing the materials and manufacturing them into new products. By recycling, we help keep these manufacturing jobs in our communities.
Many of us have been recycling for a long time, and it may seem like we are doing all we can. But the reality is quite different. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, many easily recycled materials are still thrown away. For example, 78 percent of glass containers, 60 percent of aluminum cans, 41 percent of steel cans, 45 percent of paper and paperboard containers and packaging are not currently recycled. And it’s not because there’s no place for the materials to go.
Demand for these recyclable materials has never been greater and, in many cases, manufacturers aren’t getting all the recyclables they can use.
I ask your readers to do their part to ensure that we all reap the many benefits of recycling. Please renew your commitment to recycling and buying recycled. Every little bit helps, and it all comes back to us.
Betsy Vonderheide
Education/Marketing Director
Southeastern Indiana Solid Waste District