The Honolulu Advertiser is reporting that residents of Maui can now recycle pretty much any kind of metal cans, not just aluminum cans (see the article here). This is welcome news to those who view recycling not just as a way of getting our money back (Hi5 program), but good stewardship of the land we live on.

Some believe we are one with the land, we therefore need to care for it as we care for ourselves. Others believe that the land is better off without people, that we must minimize our "footprint" so the land can be preserved for future generations. Others believe that the land was provided for mankind by a Creator, and that we are merely stewards over what belongs to the Creator. Regardless of whatever belief system you subscribe to, recycling is a good way to stretch out our resources and care for the place we live. There is only so much land to utilize, and it is a shame that a significant portion of it must be set aside to bury our trash.

I hope Maui County will not only continue to offer recycling of metal cans, but also expand the overall recycling effort by making it as easy as possible for people to recycle. I hope Maui County will consider curb-side recycling, with County provided recycle bins, including green waste recycling.