Letter: Smart recycling plan starts with education

Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006 | 7:43 a.m.

I am really happy that the Las Vegas Sun is reporting on the efforts of our community members who are really working hard to promote recycling. I do, however, want to suggest a few things to those who are looking into how to get the ball rolling easier than the resistance that they have been encountering because some people will always have excuses for their bad habits and behaviors. Also, others will always think that recycling is someone else's responsibility.

As a teacher, one way that I think recycling could work in this state is by teaching the children in this town to get more involved with taking care of their environment and being active in recycling in their own homes, neighborhoods and schools. This could be done through developing and implementing a curriculum and program through the Clark County School District or other youth clubs or organizations in partnership with Republic Services on a larger scale than what they are currently working on. I know it is a big effort, but the School District can do it. Help the children to develop good recycling habits instead of having to unlearn bad ones. They could also teach their parents a thing or two.

Additionally, I would really like to see the gaming industry in this town step up and implement better recycling programs in the casinos. Imagine how many bottles and cans are thrown away in the trash here by people who are already used to recycling in their own hometowns. Just a few receptacles marked for recycling to be used by guests along the Strip and in the casinos would be a good start. I agree, start small and work up from there, but definitely let's get started.

Sheila Shaver, Las Vegas