In recent months, and especially since the announcement that the DeKalb County landfill will reach maximum capacity this summer, there has been a growing awareness and interest in recycling. While I applaud this interest and awareness, it is my opinion that we must increase our efforts to both educate and promote recycling.

We must educate the general public and drive home the message that recycling makes economic and ecological sense. How can we accomplish this? I believe there are several approaches worth examination.

NIU already has an Alcohol Awareness Week, a Sexual Awareness Week, and a Deaf Awareness Week, so why not a Recycling Awareness Week? It may seem like a cliche, but such events attract attention and attention is, after all, what we are seeking.

Secondly, the press can make significant contributions. The Northern Star has, in the past, printed a series of well-written articles on waste and recycling, and these efforts have contributed to the public’s renewed interest in recycling. If the Star was to wage the sort of campaign it devotes to other issues (such as the creation of a separate governing board for NIU), we would undoubtedly see increased community involvement.

Third, we must receive the support of the community. Here is an opportunity for area businesses to set the pace for the rest of the county. With such simple measures as recycling its waste and/or using recycled products, the business community can enhance its positive image. Need it be said that a positive image is excellent for business?

Other alternatives include mandatory recycling laws and/or economic incentives.

In addition to education, we must provide the facilities for recycling. The recycling center now operated by the Student Association and the recycling campaign by the DeKalb County Disposal are an encouraging step in the right direction, but further measures are called for. For example, it is currently against university regulations to place recycling bins for aluminum cans in the residence halls. This must change. Ideally, the university should institute the changes, as it would not reflect well on the university if it had to be forced to do so by the city or the county.

We have been presented with a formidable opportunity to set the pace of energy conservation in Illinois. DeKalb, and NIU, can only benefit if it seizes the initative and launches an aggressive recycling program. I certainly hope that we will not, as we have in the past, blow this opportunity.

Michael Kohrs