Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 9, 1991 TAG: 9104090050
SECTION: NEWSFUN PAGE: NF1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TAMMY POOLE NEWSFUN EDITOR
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The can would last 500 years, according to "The Whole Earth Quiz Book" by Bill Adler Jr.
Imagine the number of cans and other trash lying around that will be there until someone picks it all up to have it recycled.
Each man, woman and child in the United States produces about 3.5 pounds of trash daily, which adds up to 157.7 million tons each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
As the amount of trash continues to grow, the places to throw it away are close to being filled up.
That is why millions of Americans and people in other countries gathered last year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Earth Day.
On that day people who worried about the amount of trash and pollution on the earth came together and helped clean up the land, planted trees and listened to speeches and music. In all, people in some 3,600 American cities and towns, as well as more than 140 countries on all seven continents, gathered once again for the movement that began with the original Earth Day in 1970.
"Make every day Earth day," is the motto for this year's Earth Day, which is April 21.
Earth Day 1991 will focus on local environmental issues as well as global concerns.
A celebration will be held from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Wasena Park in Roanoke. Former U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, who helped plan the first Earth Day 21 years ago, will be the speaker. There also will be educational displays, local entertainment, natural foods vendors and games for kids.
NewsFun asked its readers what they do to help the environment and if their community has any projects that involve recycling.
An overwhelming number of the kids who responded said they recycle at home and that they also help clean up around their communities.
"My family helps the environment by not leaving the water on while we brush our teeth. We also plant trees in our field," said Andrea Davis of Hillsville. "Our town has places to recycle glass, plastic, paper and aluminum. We have teachers who recycle newspapers. We have people who don't litter. These are some things we do to help our environment."
When Jason Eanes of Roanoke visits his grandparents who live in Elliston, he rides on a tractor and picks up cans and trash. "We bought a can crusher so that we can collect more cans," he said.
John Goshorn of Thaxton wrote to President George Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle to express his concern for the effect acid rain has on the environment.
When Jason Eanes of Roanoke visits his grandparents who live in Elliston, he rides on a tractor and picks up cans and trash. "We bought a can crusher so that we can collect more cans," he said.
John Goshorn of Thaxton wrote to President George Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle to express his concern for the effect acid rain has on the environment.
"My family picks up trash and recycles. At school, we recycle," he said. The letter was about acid rain. Bush didn't write back, but Quayle did. He said, "World leaders have met to clean up the environment," said John.
Many kids said their communities have Adopt-A-Highway programs where groups pledge to clean up a specific stretch of highway in their area.
"We recycle cans, paper and whatever we can to help the environment. Our community has a project called Adopt-A-Highway," said Ronnie Nester of Fancy Gap.
Some communities, including Vinton, Roanoke and Roanoke County, have begun recycling programs where residents are given containers for their recyclable materials. The containers are emptied by special trucks just like the garbage cans are emptied by garbage trucks.
"My school recycles a bunch of things every day instead of just on Earth Day," said Joel Patrick of Vinton. Vinton was one of the first communities to begin recycling.
"Our family helps the environment by recycling glass, newspapers and plastic. My community has a recycling program. Everyone has a blue recycling bin to put glass, newspaper, and plastic in," said Rachel Lux of Blacksburg.
Roanoke's recycling plan began in March. Only certain areas of the city are being tested first, to see how the program goes. In three or four years, all 38,000 city residences should be involved in the city's recycling program, said City Manager Robert Herbert.
Roanoke County has a voluntary program of curbside pickup of recyclables in which containers are provided by the county. The county also has a test program in 900 households in which containers are provided for dumping certain types of recyclables together. The county takes the recyclables to Cycle Systems, which separates them.
Salem has a dropping off place for its residents to take recyclables.
Even if your town does not have a formal recycling program in which houses are given containers to recycle, you still can recycle on your own.
"To help our environment, my family picks up litter and recycles. Our town has a recycling center near Kmart. We recycle many things and enjoy doing it," said Christina Colville of Wytheville.
No matter how much or little recycling you do, remember that every little bit helps.
"My family and I recycle lots of things including aluminum cans, paper and glass. We also reuse newspaper and walk to places not very far away. Also my parents own a fast food restaurant and we have got paper boxes now instead of plastic ones. I am going to write a letter and try to get the company to wrap hamburgers in paper. Those are just some of the ways we recycle and reuse things," said Laura Smith of Hillsville.
by CNB