This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Recently moving from the coolest place to live, the Big Island of Hawaii, to Springville, Utah, was a serious culture shock. Not only for the very apparent reasons, but for differences in the way of life. Hawaii is considered a "green" state, having some "peace for the roots." We appreciated and took care of our Aina (land).
My beautiful home state is one of eleven states to have recycling regulations, and the difference of states with and without regulations is shocking. What makes Hawaiians so cool? For all "HI 5"-approved bottles and cans, the consumer receives a five-cent incentive.
You're probably wondering what Hawaii's recycling has anything to do with Utah. Well, being a Utahn, I no longer have the opportunity to make extra side cash. Calling around, I've learned that Utah has no deposit regulations!
Utah is fighting with the fact, along with many other western states, that land is so cheap that landfill costs aren't a big deal.
I completely understand the logic behind this reasoning, but wouldn't you want some extra cash while feeling complete knowing you've made a difference in our planet? In 2005, Utah was in the bottom five states in the U.S. for successful recycling redemption, having only recycled about 24% of their waste! That's ridiculous!
How could we go wrong making our beautiful state a little more "green"?
Erica Sanchez
Springville