As part of the ETF’s weekly Earth Tip, student Sara Gilbert sat down with Marvin Gruber, physical plant supervisor, to ask him some questions about recycling. He provided information and statistics on the recycling outcome so far this year compared to last year.

Where do we stand in recycling this year here at NCC?

Since January 2006 we recycled:

• 26 skids of computer/ electronic scrap
• 7 skids of florescent bulbs
• 6 cases of alkaline batteries
• 8, 55 gallon drums of light ballasts

And we have generated about $50 in recycling printer cartridges in the past few months.

How much have those totals changed since last September?

Comparing this year so far to all of last year:

Jan-Aug 2006                                 Jan-Dec 2005

400 cubic yards of cardboard            496 cubic yards of cardboard

228 cubic yards of paper                  256 cubic yards of paper

148 cubic yards of commingled          138 cubic yards of commingled

The statistics show that our recycling for this year has increased more than last year, and we still have four months left to add to those numbers.

I think we are doing great so far this year. We have surpassed last year in commingled, and I hope to do as well with cardboard and paper.

Do you feel the student community is putting forth the effort to recycle more than last year?

I think we are doing well, but we can always do better. We need more positive peer pressure to get students to spread the word to recycle properly.

NCC's Environmental Task Force wants you to think – and act – green! To make it easier for you to keep earth in balance, the ETF has compiled environmental tips and facts that we hope will inform and help you to live greener.

Be sure to check Northampton NOW each week for your “Earth Tips”. You can also visit the web site Earth 911 to find out everything from ocean water quality to recycling tips.