When taking out the garbage, the biggest problem for most students is getting it to the curb or dumpster.

Many students don’t think twice about where it all goes. Every year the average Kansan is responsible for three-fourths of a ton of trash. Paper and plastic make up a combined 48 percent of municipal waste nationally.

I came up with two possible reasons why these basic recyclables are thrown in the garbage; either one, people are not aware of the benefits of recycling or two, recycling is not easily accessible.

I know everyone on campus is aware of the benefits of recycling. It saves natural resources and reduces the amount of waste we have to store. Since we all know the benefits of recycling, we can conclude that the principal obstacle to recycling is the inaccessibility of well-situated recycling bins.

I am encouraged by the efforts already in place – the waste paper bins at every printer, some beverage recycling containers, large dumpsters for paper around residence halls – but more could be done.

Some higher learning institutions are making waste reduction a priority by providing students with recycling bins in living areas and around campus as an alternative to catch-all trash containers, dining facilities are provided with cardboard balers to recycle packaging, and students are informed about ways to reduce their ecological footprint. Programs such as these educate students on the value of recycling and encourage students to think about their role as a global citizen.

As an institution of higher learning we should be looking for ways to reduce waste and protect the environment. Being environmentally conscious is the direction the civilization will be headed. The first step to reducing waste on campus is to provide recycling containers to students who would be willing to recycle.

Baker should see this as an opportunity and a duty to take steps toward making our university a more environmentally mindful campus.