Plastic recycling a must for IU

Do we need a renewal of the plastic recycling program at IU?\nThe response to this question ought to be an unequivocal YES. Even though plastic waste ranges at the bottom of the list of issues that occupy a college student's imagination, it is essential to take some responsibility for the waste we are generating. Plastic waste is not as benign as tea bags or orange peels; it is common knowledge by now that plastic is not biodegradable. According to estimates, it could take up to 1,000 years for something as flimsy as plastic bag to break down naturally. And an article in last year's Natural Resources Defense Council magazine revealed that plastic waste keeps hanging out in landfills for an average of 50 years.\nAs students of IU, we are all contributing to the problem of plastic waste. The vending machines in academic buildings like Ballantine Hall have switched to plastic bottles. The dining halls are overflowing with plastic containers and bottles. Yet there is no provision for recycling the plastic bottles in dining halls and academic buildings. \nThe Physical Plant at IU claims plastic recycling is a costly proposition both in terms of initiating it and maintaining it since most students refuse to recycle. But the long-term effects of not recycling are more costly for society because the plastic burned in landfills only contributes to air pollution. \nThe students of IU are not only capable of recycling their own plastic bottles; they also have the ability to inspire slackers. As an academic institution, IU should educate its students to be responsible citizens who are concerned about issues of waste and sustainability. Hence, the Physical Plant and RPS Dining Hall Services must abandon their absurd arguments for not introducing a plastic recycling program and work toward enabling IU to fulfill its goal of building a sustainable campus. \nSheeba Madan\nSenior