It is important to keep the environment clean, and although this is a commonly repeated message, it’s evident that the issue has been pushed aside. Especially today in the midst of California’s severe drought.

Recycling and picking up trash are prominent parts of assisting with waste found on Skyline College’s campus. These efforts contribute to making the working environment better for everyone.

Recology is a municipal disposal process company that is located in the Bay Area, as well as other states like Oregon, Nevada, and Washington.

The city of San Bruno has partnered with Recology to collect waste and produce re-usable resources. Recology makes its rounds at Skyline College to collect waste every Tuesday night and uses a compost cart in other areas of the city, in which food scraps, soiled paper, and plants are compiled for a cleaner environment.

Although Skyline College does not currently support compost bins on campus, there are still ways to keep the campus looking spotless.

The process of recycling takes less than 10 seconds. Simply look for the designated logo (usually a design of a triangle with circulating arrows) and toss paper, plastic, or aluminum containers into the separated section for recyclables.

It seems like a piece of cake to complete such a small task and yet, these problems still remain.

With the excess amount of non-recyclable materials thrown into the trash section of the bin, what can be done to help make the waste process easier for the district’s facilities staff?

Skyline College and its sister schools, Cañada and College of San Mateo, have multiple ways to take advantage and benefit from recycling and waste reduction.

In building 6, Skyline College students have the ability to use a hydration station, a recent feature that was added to the campus in 2013. At CSM, several hydration stations exist, with one located in building 10 and the other in building 36.

Students are highly encouraged to take advantage of this commodity, not only because it is helpful in our drought, but the waste produced as a whole will be less than if individuals were to continuously throw away plastic bottles.

CSM also uses a waste system divided into three: trash, recycling, and compost. Most of the trash containers on campus at Skyline College are recycle and trash friendly only.

In addition to composting, there are other ways to be sustainable in the district.

According to Cañada College’s Sustainability Plan, campus departments at Cañada College purchase paper with recycled content and local ordinances require the use of compostable flatware and containers in food service areas.

For those who have recycled and used Skyline College’s resources to their heart’s content, you may be asking, ‘would it be possible to take initiative now, and save the environment a little bit more?’

The answer is yes. Earth Day is Friday, April 22 this year. So, what does this mean for all of the neglected bottles and recyclables that don’t yet have a home?

One way to start learning about conservation efforts is through Skyline College’s Environmental Club. They will be hosting the Sea Otter Earth Day Event on Thursday, April 21st at 11:30 a.m. in building 6, room 6202.