Is Recycling Really a Good Thing?
Do we really know where out bottles go?
Many students rely on caffeinated drinks every morning to keep them awake throughout the school day.
Beverages such as the glass-bottled Starbucks Iced Frappuccino or aluminum-canned Monster Energy drinks are common amongst Kamehameha students, but does anyone ever wonder where they end up after they are finished? Honolulu Civil Beat reporter, Claire Caulfield, explains how there are numerous implications for the disposal of these products, however, there is no information on where they are processed.
Hawaii residents are beginning to become concerned about where their recyclables go after they drop them off at recycling centers. Lanikai resident, Lois Crozer said, “I don’t know if what I recycle… is ending up in Malaysia or something where it’s being burned and making people sick; I just want to make sure what we’re doing is pono.”
In various state reports, it is said that Hawaii recyclables are shipped to various Asian countries, while some of it remains on the islands. Suggestions of establishing a recycling facility in the state have been denied due to Hawaii’s small size, despite the large population to small land area ratio.
As the Honolulu Civil Beat continues to investigate this matter, Timothy Houghton, deputy director of the Honolulu Department of Environmental Services said “We’re not even sure that recycling is the best way to go”, putting the benefits of recycling into question.
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Aloha! My name is Kiersty McKee and I am from Papakōlea, Oʻahu. I am currently a senior, and I began my journey at Kamehameha in Kindergarten. I am a member of the Concert Glee Club, the senior class board, as well as a few clubs on campus. This is my first year writing for Ka Mo'i, and I joined to determine my interests going into college to possibly decide on a major and career path.
Pono Lupenui • Nov 26, 2019 at 12:47 pm
This article interested me because it kind of flips the perspective on something that was always seen as something good. I always thought that recycling was something that benefits us, not hurt us. I’m glad I now know about this issue because it raises a good question and we should all look into this more.
Shaye Story • Nov 26, 2019 at 12:34 pm
I really enjoyed how you were able to make such a worldly issue into a relatable one by connecting the need back to Kamehameha Schools students. I personally know many people who use the recycling bins around campus but have never thought before about what happens to the bottles after they are sent to recycling plants. This issue is an important topic that I’m glad has been made aware to me.
Griffyn Maddock • Nov 26, 2019 at 12:34 pm
I really liked this piece. You got me questioning the benefits of recycling. The quotes in your writing help to make this a good credible source and something that can change the minds of many people.
Anya Ortiz • Nov 26, 2019 at 12:33 pm
This article really made me think about where my recycling is going. I think it would be very important to set up a recycling center on the island to make sure that what we think is happening is happening. This also reminds me of another article I read that talked about how recycling items actually puts more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere due to the fact that we have to ship them from Hawaii to other countries. In the end, is it really worth it to recycle anymore.