Wauzeka man sets citizen recycling example for community
Mike Mullikin stands on his rural Wauzeka farm among the loads of recyclables he personally collected from mainly two events in his community this summer. He encourages the public to do their part toward citizen recycling efforts and taking care of the earth. (Photo by Correne Martin)
By Correne Martin
Mike Mullikin took it upon himself this summer to enact a citizen recycling project in the community of Wauzeka.
He was noticing overflowing dumpsters, specifically at village summer rec activities, that had just as many recyclables in them as actual garbage. He felt compelled to do his part in taking care of the earth.
“I keep seeing these stories about plastic in the ocean and how our landfills are filling up. These materials don’t decompose very well,” he noted. “A little encouragement could go a long way toward keeping some of this stuff out of the landfills.”
Volunteering his time after only a couple events, including a Little League tournament and Labor Day festivities, Mullikin picked through and separated the recyclables from the garbage. He ended up with 13, 50-gallon blue barrels of recyclable materials.
“Maybe a third of it was actual garbage. People throw things away that can be salvaged,” he stated. “I think everyone feels it’s no big deal, but with a little bit of effort, I believe we can make a big difference.”
Mullikin worked with the village of Wauzeka workers to get his materials recycled, and he appreciates the support he received toward his efforts.
Part of the problem, Mullikin has seen, is that some facilities, communities and events are simply not equipped with containers for sorting of the garbage, cans and plastic. If clearly marked receptacles are available for the public to separate their materials upon disposal, he’s confident most people would take the time to drop their items in the appropriate bins.
“If it’s there and visible, people would be willing to help with this,” he commented.
Mullikin said, in a short walk across any town park or common area, garbage, bottles and misplaced belongings can be found everywhere. Not only does he urge people to pick up after themselves, but he’s also adamant that people start cleaning up after others.
“People walk by these things without bending over and picking them up. If they didn’t throw it there, they don’t pick it up. I think we’re used to seeing this garbage around us,” he said. “If I’m using the park, I’d like to see it clean.”
Another area of focus that Mullikin observed could easily lean toward improvement is today’s youth.
“How do we get youth more involved? We just need to teach them and show them how to pick up after ourselves and to care about cleaning up our communities,” he added. “If we start the kids out young, it’ll become natural and they won’t learn that somebody else is gonna pick up after them.”
Mullikin suggested that organizations like the local booster club or summer rec program look into how they can be more diligent and efficient with helping people recycle and clean up. He said this could be the perfect teaching opportunity for the youngest community members.
He acknowledged, “In every town, it’s the same core of people who do these things. I’m not saying those people need to take on more. I really do feel that, with some gentle encouraging, a reminder, asking and thanking each other, it’s a step in the right direction.”
