In Wednesday’s newspaper, a woman wrote in to complain about the lack of curbside recycling and the large amount of litter on the streets. In her letter she called upon the mayor to do something about the situation.

Judging from the turnout of the meetings last year to establish a recycling program here in Natchez and the very strong response to the local pilot recycling program, which fell victim to the downturn in the economy, the desire to have a curbside recycling program is probably irrefutable.

With the crash of the economy  (especially recyclable commodities), the relatively low volume of recyclables Natchez and Adams County generate and the distance we are from any market makes the reality of bringing such a program into existence more challenging than blaming the mayor or any other of our elected local leaders. On the positive side, the board of supervisors is looking into available state monies to help low volume counties such as ours to combine their recycling efforts with neighboring counties to create a more marketable volume of recyclables for those who purchase that kind of material. To this end we need to keep our local leaders’ feet to the fire and continue to keep our recycling desires known.

Recycling, however, is more than about curbside pickup and low volume toilets. Recycling is about an individual’s personal commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle.

There are many opportunities we all have to help our environment, help ourselves and in many cases save money along the way. Indirect recycling occurs anytime you donate any unwanted clothing, furniture, or appliances to one of the thrift shops in the area. Indirect recycling occurs when you donate excess vegetables and other food items to the Stewpot, the Food Pantry or other service providers.

Taking your bundled newspapers to the Humane Society for reuse is another example of indirect recycling. Certain types of small batteries can be recycled at Stine Lumber and Radio Shack. Large electronic devices such as computers, monitors, etc. can be recycled at Office Depot for a small fee. Using reusable bags for your shopping instead of plastic ones, compact fluorescence bulbs, low volume toilets and faucets, microfiber dust cloths, combining all your stops in one trip, and Entergy Star appliances are examples of activities or products that individuals can do or use that help our environment. None of these activities require curbside pickup.

Lastly, become involved. Continue to let your local leaders know that you want and care about recycling.

There are several groups in town such as The Adams County Green Alliance and Keep Natchez/Adams County Beautiful which would be delighted to have you become involved in their activities.

Start off this weekend at the free rain barrel workshop at Stine Lumber Garden Center at 10 a.m. Saturday. This event is a combined partnership of Stine Lumber, Brown Bottling Group, Keep Natchez/Adams County Beautiful and Adams County Agriculture Extension Office.

Recycling begins at home. Remember:  reduce, reuse, recycle.

Steve McNerney is a member of the Adams County Green Alliance.