newsminer.com

A turnout of more than 100 for the first public meting of the Recycling Task Force marks an auspicious beginning for the effort.

The greatest thing in favor of these efforts is now and will be for years to come an interested and involved public; a patient and involved public. Having more than 100 people for a meeting of three hours on sub-zero Saturday afternoon speaks well to the current interest.

The majority of the work centered on brainstorming ways to educate people about existing recycling opportunities, getting businesses more involved in recycling efforts and discussing ways to move forward.

Getting the word out on existing options and keeping people interested is something the News-Miner can assist with, at least to some degree. We will look forward to exploring ideas with the task force or others.

At one point, the group discussed funding of future initiatives and got lukewarm support for the idea of additional taxes to cover costs of infrastructure to handle recycling. Specific talk about taxes is premature, but the general idea of taxes, bonds or some form of payment is something people will eventually have to embrace. There is a reason that Fairbanks lacks recycling opportunities for some things while much of the rest of the country has standard programs in place — distance and costs.

We can’t change where we live, but the resources focused on recycling and sustainability can change.

The challenge before our community is sticking with this issue for the long run and devising creative solutions at acceptable costs. We can do it, but it will take broad public interest and involvement for the long haul.

The task force’s next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Borough Assembly chambers.