A few weeks ago, I was able to sneak my way into a meeting of the Roselle Park Environmental Committee. A sub committee that advises and informs the Town Council, the Environmental Committee is in dire need of funding, and staff- but certainly not spirit.
The agenda, currently lead by councilman Mike Yakubov, included updates on development ideas for several vacant lots in town, an idea for a community garden, recycling discussion, and some neighborly complaints.
I was intrigued by the interest and excitement the few members who were able to make the Friday Night meeting had, and saw only possibilities for the possible influence the committee could have.
Until now, the major topic the committee has tackled is in town recycling. While this is important, I firstly felt that this should be a simple conversation. We provide an easy way for residents to recycle, and recycle as many products as possible. The residents, in turn, will not have trash taken away if handlers observe recyclables in their trash bins. The town and taxpayers pay more when the trash count is higher- tipping fees are charged per ton of trash. Most upsetting on this topic was to find that the public schools are still not recycling. For some political reason, they are under different contracts for trash and recycling than the town. As a former Roselle Park Public School Student, I remember in highschool trying to initiate a recycling program with the ecology club. We had to actually sort through trash bins at the end of the day and bring the recycling ourselves.
This is an abhorrent cycle. The skills, services, and routines we learn in lower through highschool will affect the relationships and views we hold for the rest of our lives. Why aren't Roselle Park's children learning to care about the environment, stewardship, and conservation?And because of some disagreement between a council person and the superintendent of schools, the council is afraid to even volunteer their help. This must change.
I was recently appointed to join the council, and am excited because I think I can start asking questions that others may be afraid to ask, or not know to ask. I think Roselle Park is in a prime state to revitalize its community, and the environmental committee can absolutely be a key part of making that happen.
If you are a former RP student reading this, please consider writing an email to the superintendent, requesting a stronger recycling program and environmental curriculum in our public schools. Towns richer and poorer than us are doing it, and the future of Roselle Park lies in our students who will soon be taking on the world. They deserve to be properly educated and equipped on these topics.
I will of course, continue to update my readers as I learn more in committee meetings.
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