To the Editor,
Re: Mining from recyclables becoming more efficient, Opinion, Aug. 26.
I think it’s really hard to say if the way things are being recycled is actually good for the planet. More steps could be made towards meaningful recycling, which in my mind means less wasted energy to recycle something.
For instance, the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange provides a shop for residents to recycle items without the need to put these things into a landfill or to ship them elsewhere. It also allows local artists and residents to use paint free of charge for their homes or for art projects. This is real recycling. This gives something back to the community.
Recently city council has allowed Regional Recycling to build a bottle depot on Old Victoria Road. The vast majority of residents nearby feel something is being taken from them (their property values, safety, quality of life) and nothing of value to them is being given in return, especially since recycling needs are met via yellow bags and the recycling at the city landfill.
Bottle depots are more about making money than truly doing what is right or good for the community or the planet. Bottle depots take ‘reduce’ out of the three R’s as though it isn’t important, when in my mind ‘reduce’ is the most essential concept.
Valentina CardinalliNanaimo
To the Editor,
Was this the plan all along? Get the people confused thinking that it’s been rejected, over and done with, no recycle depot for Old Victoria Road anywhere, only to move the venue a little farther up the road and plunk it in the middle of the unsuspecting community?
Most people I’ve talked to are unaware that this is the plan. Just one lonely sign out front of the defunct trucking company announcing an amendment to the existing bylaw needs to be done in order for the depot to proceed. This bylaw amendment will have an effect on over 100 properties in the Nanaimo area.
What is wrong with this picture? Does our city council not get that we do not want a recycle depot anywhere along Old Vic Road for all the same reasons that it was rejected down the road in the first place?
S. FisherNanaimo