Help save the
environment
We are writing this letter to address the growing necessity of an adequate and well-utilized recycling system in the United States.
It is not a secret that our natural resources on this planet are expendable and that it is impossible to create more of these materials from nothing. For this reason, we should be doing everything within our power to protect our future generations from our serious errors in regards to wasting these vital components of our environment without realizing or caring about its catastrophic consequences.
Many people’s excuse for not recycling is that it is an inconvenience to them because, apparently, putting an extra bin down by the road on garbage day or taking an occasional box of materials to your local recycling company is a huge hassle. However, those individuals who do believe in the importance of this action no longer see it as a burden and can effortlessly assimilate it into their daily lives.
The argument is often made that people need to recycle because it is good for the environment. There is no question as to the validity of this statement; the only problem is convincing those who have little motivation to care about the environment that they too can benefit from this practice. Even those who don’t care about what’s in the air they’re breathing have to care about what’s in their wallet. Recycling has a huge impact on the economy, creating thousands of jobs and new industries, meaning that it will stimulate the whole economy in Michigan. If one section of the economy begins to flourish, the rest of the economy in the state will transform along with it, doing its part to bring Michigan out of the recession currently weighing us down.
A good economy is dependent on a strong ecosystem because we rely on natural resources in order to function. If we eliminate this component of the economy, we are left in a conundrum; by recycling, we won’t be faced with this ever-growing problem. For every item that is dumped into landfills, gargantuan ramifications are in store for us in the future. Currently, recycling represents $236 billion in annual sales, $37 billion in annual salaries and more than 1.1 million jobs as it continues to stimulate economic growth.
When the cost for running and maintaining landfills is computed, the cost of external expenditures — such as cleaning up the polluted air and waterways — is often disregarded in the calculations.
On the other hand, when the monetary amount of savings for recycling is computed, the money saved by not having to clean out the air and waterways are often not considered. This fact further extends the margin between money spent on trash and money saved in recycling.
Landfills emit greenhouse-effect gases, like methane, that contribute to the wearing away of the ozone layer. By recycling, not only are we substantially cutting down these emissions but we are also preserving energy which, in turn, saves money. For example, by recycling just one glass bottle, enough energy is saved to power a 100 watt light bulb for four hours — and for every ton of paper recycled, 17 trees, 42 gallons of gasoline, 464 gallons of oil and 7,000 gallons of water are saved.
Throwing this newspaper into the recycling after it is read takes no more of your energy than throwing it into the trash does. It’s no joke when you stop to consider that in the Detroit area, the level of toxins in the air can be as much as 257 times as high as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says is safe. Is that what you want your posterity inhaling because you let your recyclables go to waste in landfills?
In conclusion to this letter, we ask that you take just the little bit of extra time and effort needed to recycle. It’s not that big of a change for you, but it makes a drastic change to the environment and economy that you live in. — Concerned Students from Goodrich

Improving
communication
at Goodrich
I believe the Goodrich school board should adopt some very basic attributes for bettering its communication with the community at large:
• Maintain channels of communication
• Treat all individuals with respect
• Strive to reach consensus on difficult issues
• Accept criticism well
• Work out interpersonal conflicts appropriately
• Demonstrate honesty and sincerity
The board has been frequently criticized for poor communication. Constituents claim the board isn’t “listening” when it acts contrary to public views expressed during meeting and in letters.
The board also has ignored views at the end of meetings during Board Commentary.
I believe the board should expand Public Commentary to include a time for public expression before and after the items on the agenda have been addressed. Then the board should determine how other unresolved issues will be addressed later.
Second, the board should always introduce public dialogues for exploring important topics. Two or three members could run a session, promoting them in local papers and on the school website. Formats should be informal, giving constituents and members a chance to exchange information.
Third, the school website should become a source for up-to-date information about the district, including: our current level of activities and reports and adding all committee meetings with agendas, ad hoc meeting dates, budget and financial reports, and project updates. A “Frequently Asked Questions” could provide extra information on hot topics. Our marquee should also be fully utilized.
Finally, board members must model how to research issues, share information, and resolve conflict whenever they meet. Their actions should reflect the respect the have for the people’s right to disagree and the need to tackle challenges from multiple perspectives. This tone must carry over to interactions with all constituents, citizens, parents, staff and students. Members should respond to individual contacts. They may refer constituents to other resources, but inquiries should be welcomed.
I truly believe in a well informed community. I will expand communication efforts and help the board and the community address our district’s challenges. — Mark Griffiths, Goodrich

More Tips