CNMI Recycles Day 2005 a success!

Gov. Juan N. Babauta signed a proclamation declaring Nov. 15 as CNMI Recycles Day, highlighting the local commemoration of America Recycles Day event at the World Resort Saipan last Tuesday. The event was organized by the Department of Public Works Division of Solid Waste Management, which also included the awards ceremony for the 2nd Annual Islandwide School Recycling Competition, and various displays from various environmental agencies.

The mission of ARD is: “To hold an annual awareness event that promotes the social, environmental, and economic benefits of recycling and buying recycled products.” This is the third year that DPW has participated in the event, and the second year that the school recycling competition was held. Students and teachers were invited, along with their family and friends, to turn in recyclable wastes to the Lower Base Transfer Station and MAEDA/ERICCO office for a chance to win cash prizes. The school who collected the most trash per capita got a chance to win $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $300 for third place in three categories: high school, junior high, and elementary. The competition generated 212,837 lbs of aluminum, glass, plastic, cardboard, paper and metal between Sept. 1 and Nov. 8. This figure is 30 percent more than what was generated during last year’s competition. Some 8,976 students from 28 schools participated.

Robert Jordan, MC and DSWM assistant manager, said the competition promotes recycling amongst the future generation of the CNMI, making them aware that recycling helps extend the life of the Marpi landfill, and conserves resources for the future. Roughly 5 lbs of garbage is generated by one person in the CNMI every day, and if people keep recycling, the estimated 30 year life of the landfill could definitely be extended.

Students from various schools read from the proclamation of CNMI Recycles Day on stage with Babauta. Three students also talked about their experience during the competition, what recycling means to them, and why it is good for the CNMI. The event also had various displays from the DPW Energy Division, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Division of Environmental Quality, and Coastal Resources Management Office to showcase what the students can do to protect the environment.

The day’s theme, “It All Comes Back to You,” became a reality as the awards ceremony progressed, and the winners were handed their oversized checks. Congratulations to all the event winners, and make everyday CNMI Recycles Day!

CoCo