ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 27, 1993                   TAG: 9303290408
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

RECYCLABLE GOODS STILL BEING TRASHED

DUE TO increased consumer concern, manufacturers are now making as much as possible of their products recyclable. In general, "recyclable" is printed on numerous things these days. Does that, though, mean we are any better off now than a few years ago? Does that mean we should consider ourselves environmentalists? Of course, the answers to these questions are debatable, but the fact is that recycled material thrown away in fast-food restaurants never gets separated and therefore recycled.

A walk down one of our city's neighborhoods would also confirm the fact that recycling has its flaws. Around a small block of Northwest Roanoke, I collected 20 bottles and cans that were designed to be recycled. They are a symbol of the ignorance and indolence that exists in a number of people. This can also be demonstrated in many businesses and even at home where uncountable amounts of paper are trashed.

If we want to be part of an environmentally secure society, we need to dramatically alter our approach to recycling. Our actions are irreversible, and time is running out. Therefore, all businesses and organizations need to set up recycling programs in the work area. City parks and other such areas need to have specific trash cans for recyclable material.

An important thing to remember, though, is that the quality and effectiveness of the programs is just as important as the quantity if a change is to be made. VIKI FARMAKIS ROANOKE 


 by CNB