It is time for Washington to join their neighboring state Oregon in the recycling race. Statewide, the consequences of not recycling have increased environmental pollution, reduced natural resources, increased energy consumption and caused reductions in the economy. As citizens of Washington, we need to double our efforts.
As of now, Seattle recycles about 60 percent of solid waste but aims to recycle 70 percent by 2022. This is an outstanding goal but could be increased dramatically by creating a system where each person is required to recycle a certain amount each month. I know that there are certain areas in Washington where there may be city mandates for recycling. On the west side of Washington in the Pierce County area, they tend to be more aggressive when it comes to recycling. However, there should be a state law that requires some form of recycling to reduce pollution and decrease resource use. By doing this we can attempt to produce a healthy environment for future generations.
Do you think we should apply state laws to mandate recycling? Or go as far as creating a federal law to mandate recycling in all states? If you answered yes to one or both of these, spread the word.
