We are told many things to do here at Saint Mary’s University to make earth a Greener place. As students it is our responsibility or almost an obligation to recycle. But the question that lingers is…does it in fact even make a difference?

A lot of people assume that one person actually doesn’t achieve much progress to recycling. The truth is, if your recycling the impact is very significant. Several resources show that actual consistent recycling everyday can do wonders for Earth! It is probably the most practical way to make the planet a better and greener place. The steps to a recycling bin are usually the same amount of steps it takes to the garbage bin and a quick trip to your local specialty recycling center for less common objects. Recycling helps to save tons of money and also helps to delay the speed at which we are consuming our natural resources. By making a simple effort we will promote a healthier environment for our descendants by reducing the chance of wild fires, polluted water and a depleted o-zone layer.

These are some simple facts about the effects of recycling that may be useful:

- Reynolds Wrap states that recycling of one roll of aluminum paper can save enough energy to run a TV for three hours.
- Recycling of one glass container saves enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for four hours.
- Glass can be reused an infinite number of times
- A ton of recycled paper equals or saves 17 trees in paper production.
- Every year enough paper is thrown away to make a 12 foot wall from New York to California
- Recycling prevents global climate changes by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Keeps materials out of landfills, which helps prevent even larger amounts of methane (which is a greenhouse gas) to be released to the atmosphere. Methane gas is 20 to 30 times more dangerous to the environment than carbon dioxide.

Saint Mary’s University follows provincial law and the provincial and municipal law requires proper separation of unwanted materials. Students are to separate materials into three general bins labeled for recyclables, organics and garbage. To make organization a lot easier, each category has a specific color. Typically the organics bin which is GREEN is strictly for food and plant waste such as wet foods or waste from cooking. All food peelings, table scraps, meat, dairy products, eggshells, etc. are to be wrapped in a single paper lining or box lining. Any other recyclables should be placed in a clear blue plastic bag. However, recyclables is an even larger category of items, such as used papers, newspapers, egg cartons and cardboards should be grouped together. In another bag of the same color place all plastic bottles and containers. Remember to take all receipts out of your bags and to throw caps in the final category, garbage. All other items that don’t belong in the previous groups should be thrown into the garbage. Some materials to include are metal cans, Styrofoam’s items, toys, dishes, etc.

Additionally, earlier this year it was stated that electronics are NOT to be placed in the regular garbage stream. Items such as TVs, monitors, cell phones or printers and other devices should be taken to The Bin Doctor Recycling Centre located 2651 Clifton St.

Now don’t think that since you have reused your Pepsi bottle and bought a hybrid car that you are finished with doing your part to help the planet. If you still want to make a huge impact to save the world, you should try buying your groceries at your local farmers’ market. If you’re wondering what a farmers’ market is and how it relates to recycling…then you’re not alone. A farmer’s market is an outdoor market where farmers or vendors sell their meats humanely raised, free range fowl, organically grown fruits and vegetables. Many people aren’t aware that Halifax, Nova Scotia has its own farmers’ market located at the historic Keith’s Brewery Building at 1496 Lower Water Street. The market operates Saturdays from 7am to 1pm al year round. The products are grown on well sustained and clean farms, meaning that they are less likely to produce pollution and help preserve wildlife, according to American Farmland Trust. Since most products are locally grown, the chances of CFCs from huge refrigerators and emissions from large trucks are greatly decreased.

Time is soon running out for our planet. In the next few hundred years if Earth keeps consuming its natural resources at this current extent then it might not be able to sustain life. We can all help to spread our awareness of environmental issues. Encourage universities to take better care of the environment. Help to reduce consumption by buying less or conserving energy by not leaving lights and electronics on. Remember to buy items that have BEEN recycled and can be recycled again such as paper or clothing. Also, if you have any items that can be reused then either give them to someone else or find a useful means for them.