Recycling is not new. Ranchers and farmers are and always have been the first recyclers — nothing gets thrown away on the farm if it could possibly be reused again.

The Greatest Generation knew the values of not to waste wantonly and that recycling metal, glass and paper helped win wars. Food waste in the compost garden grew better food for survival and independence. How did we forget the patriotic practices and values of our elders? Recycling was patriotic then and it is equally patriotic now in making America a great nation.

Recycling is truly a conservative ideal in that it maintains environmental and economic stability for our children and grandchildren. It creates jobs, creates independence against foreign imports, and plays an important role in securing the independence of our nation against reliance on other nations for resources.

Recycling is the right action to make San Angelo and Texas a better place to live. The incredibly simple act of tossing a plastic container, a piece of cardboard or a tin can just a few inches farther — into the recycle bin instead of the trash — is an act of patriotism. You are doing the right thing for our county.

America’s strength comes from the unselfish practices of individuals to better our county and make it more secure for our next generation. Don’t be a “landfill bug.” It’s time to cowboy up and recycle your household trash.

— Drew Sykes, Knickerbocker

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