The need to recycle is just one symptom of our throw-away society. Other symptoms include dwindling landfill space, and increasing demands upon our natural, nonrenewable resources. In order to turn things around and become more responsible as human beings we need basically three things: 1) Education, 2) Solutions, and perhaps most of all 3) An Attitude. I heartily recommend you go out and "get an attitude" today. It's outlook and attitude more than anything that will get things accomplished in the long run.

The next time you throw away your trash think about where it goes. Did you know that 6.5 million tons of trash and solid waste are thrown away every year in Wisconsin alone? I'm sure none of us want our woods, deserts, or grasslands plowed under in order to create more landfills. Take a look at the packaging on the products you buy. Does all that packaging seem necessary? Is it recyclable? These things should determine what you buy. How about disposable items like razors, cleaning wipes, etc? As consumers we do have some say and we can make a statement by avoiding these types of things. How many of you save your rainwater? Or your household water? Do you know of the many ways to conserve water around the home? This is recycling, too. Recycling can also mean taking your used clothing and toys to a local Goodwill or Salvation Army Center and taking old magazines to places like half-way houses, etc.

Recycling is an attitude of trying to find practical uses for things instead of throwing them out. It's also problem solving because in many small communities, recycling options for cans and newspaper are limited, and nonexistent for plastic and glass. However, many nonprofit agencies take cans and newspaper as a donation. Elsewhere in this issue you will find a list of recyclers in Cochise County. Good luck with your "attitude"!