In Job chapter 7 verses 7-11 talks about the life cycle of a tree: “There is still hope for a tree if it is cut down. It may grow up again and produce new shoots. Though its roots lie dormant in the earth, and its stump is dying in the dust, with just a whiff of water, it shoots up again. As a growing plant, it again sends out branches.
God can make what seems a dead tree, alive again from its roots and some water. Therefore we should do whatever we can to allow this to happen.
The first level of recycling made you aware of the materials in the waste stream that can be used or reused (recycled) for a different use. There are items that we use every day that we can recycle and reuse for a different purpose. As the Bible told us in Level 1 we are in charge of the earth and living things in it.
By putting man in charge, God also gives him the responsibility to take care of the earth. This level is to understand how we can take care of the earth in a local way to benefit the earth in a global way.
GOVERNMENT RULES
We have rules for recycling the materials to keep them out of the landfills and we also have rules to keep yard waste from reaching the landfills. Recycling is to put things to a different usage rather than throwing it away. Sin makes it easiest to just throw yard waste into the garbage rather than recycle it. In most communities they have recycle centers set up for yard waste or they have yard waste pickups scheduled throughout the year. Either way, the communities are giving you the option of recycling yard waste either at a community scale or at an individual scale.
TYPES OF RECYCLING
Yard Waste Collections:
In this section we will look at some of the more common items that are recycled and how they should be prepared.
Branches – These need to be cut to a predetermined length, usually 4’ and securely tied into bundles that do not exceed a certain weight. Some communities vary on the weight as I have seen weights from 30 to 60 pounds listed. You will need to check with your community as to what the requirements are.
Grass Clippings – These usually need to be bagged in biodegradable bags so they can be easily handled.
Plants – Plants need to be bagged in biodegradable bags so they can be easily handled.
Leaves – Leaves, depending on your community, can be either piled at the curb or bagged into biodegradable bags for collection.
Biodegradable bags are available at most hardware stores or home improvement stores. They are usually made of recycled paper and will easily breakdown when exposed to moisture for a period of time.
Collection Facilities:
Some communities have collection facilities for yard waste collection. Each facility has it’s own rules and regulations for the materials being collected there. Get a copy of the rules, many times found on the local government web site, and follow these rules when you bring the items in for recycling.
Composting:
The alternative to collecting waste and being a part of your community program is to compost your yard waste to use in gardens around you home. There are composting bins available that you can purchase to help you get started in the process of turning your yard waste into compost. I used homemade composting bins and commercially purchased bins. The main difference is the aesthetics. The commercially purchased bins look nicer and have the added benefit that most wild animals in your neighborhood will not be able to get into it looking for food.
Setting up the bin location is key to having the bin work properly. Placing the bin in the sun helps in the decomposition process. Also you will need access to all sides of the bins so that you can turn the material in the bin to aid in the composition process. You will have to add water to the material in the bin so easy access to a water supply will help but do not place the bin too near the house as there is an odor generated when things decompose.
HOUSEHOLD WASTE:
We started with yard waste but you also generate composting materials from the household waste. Coffee grounds, apple cores, fruit peelings, vegetable scraps or most organic matter can also be composted.
Do NOT compost meats! Meat has different bacteria that works on it and these bacteria can cause diseases in humans and pets. Also, if you try an compost meats you will draw skunks, raccoons and other undesirable animals to your compost bin.
In general, there are two ways that a community handles recycling. The first is the recycling center. In this case, everyone has to bring their materials to central point and drop them off. From there they are sold to companies who use the materials to make new items.
Our Lord has blessed us in many ways. He has given us the important job of taking care of His creation. Out of love for what he has done for us, we will want to serve Him and be good stewards of what we have.
REDUCE WHAT GOES IN LANDFILLS:
As God’s children we want to recycle everything we can because it is what God would want us to do. The items that are recycled, are not put into a Landfill. America’s landfills near populated areas are getting filled up so garbage has to be hauled further and further. This uses more fuel, cost more to do, and damages the environment.
Requirements:
- Identify all the yard waste recyclables, both inside and outside your home.
- Recycle everything that is recyclable in the proper manner
Optional Requirements:
- Start a compost bin ( You will need your parents OK for this.)
- Manage the compost bin for your family recyclables for your family for 6 months