I am writing to The Elm to address an issue that seems to have gone unnoticed amidst the flurry of drinking and catching-up-on-old-times at the beginning of this school year. There have been numerous changes to our campus, including Hartford Hall, and for the most part they have been very positive. Yet, along with all the wonderful steps forward the school has made over the summer, it also managed to take a giant leap backwards. I am, of course, talking about the termination of the dorm recycling program.
We all know that a lot of drinking goes on at this college. As a resident of Kent last year, I saw piles after piles of empty bottles accumulate, so much that often the recycling bins overflowed with empty beer receptacles. It was taken for granted that these bottles would be hauled out of the dorm and recycled.
This year, it appears, we cannot take that for granted anymore. I was informed by Ethel, the housekeeper of Kent, that the school is no longer willing to continue the recycling program. I do not know why this is. Perhaps it is an issue of money, or perhaps there is some other reason. Nevertheless, the recycling program is no longer in effect, so far as I have been told. I was informed that I should still separate my bottles from my other trash, but this is only a matter of convenience, as the heavy bottles would put an extra strain on the trash bags and make the housekeepers' already difficult job more difficult. The bottles will still be thrown away. They will just be thrown away in their own special bag.
This makes very little sense to me. I find it ironic that a school that has recently added an environmental studies major would actually discontinue a recycling program. Perhaps the students in the environmental studies courses can analyze the damage that W.C. is now doing to the environment? I also find it ironic that a school which prides itself on the conveniently located natural resources would take such a callous approach to preserving those natural resources.
I sincerely hope that the school will reconsider its decision to discontinue the dorm recycling program. It is utter hypocrisy to teach students the benefits of recycling in classes while taking away our chance to put this education into action.
Kevin Hoffman
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782