Did you know every year enough paper is thrown away to make a 12 foot wall from New York to California? Or that everyday Americans buy 62 million newspapers and throw out 44 million. That’s the equivalent of dumping 500,000 trees into a landfill every week. Dr. Michael Larsen, associate professor of Biological Sciences at Campbell University, says that nearly 85% of our garbage is recyclable. “Over the last 10-15 years the types of material that can be recycled is a broader spectrum,” said Larsen. “It isn’t just limited to newspapers, aluminum cans and milk jugs. We can recycle so much more-including junk mail, cardboard, cereal boxes and even wrapping paper.” About three to five times a week, Larsen fills up his 15 year old Honda with recyclables collected from around campus and takes it to the recycling collection facility near his house in Wake County. “Recycling is just a habit for me since I have been doing it nearly all my life,” said Larsen. “It was something my parents were involved in and taught me. I was involved in newspaper recycling and conservation programs with the Boy Scouts and then later helped implement the first recycling program at my undergraduate college in the early 1970s.” Larsen will provide a box and an information sheet about recycling to faculty, staff and students who are interested. Recycling has become so easy that a person doesn’t have to separate the materials anymore. “We are honoring God by taking care of His Earth,” said Larsen. “We can make a difference and conserve our resources.” Larsen incorporates recycling in a lab exercise in his Environmental Science class. The students go to Keith Hills and Lake Small and collect litter. They separate the trash into recyclables and non-recyclables. Larsen said they always come to the conclusion that 65% to 75% of the materials collected are actually recyclable. “This is a practical experience for the students to become aware of what can be recycled,” said Larsen. “It is just so easy.” Larsen is very encouraged because many of the students are coming from places where recycling is the norm and he hopes to inspire future generations to keep their environment clean.Photo Copy: Dr. Michael Larsen readies trash for recycling.
Campbell professor helps reduce the waste