Let’s work together to improve our Coast

I hate to throw another "Mississippi ranks last" at y'all, but a 2010 study, conducted by 24/7 Wall Street, found Mississippi to have the worst environmental standards.

Like any other problem, we must first address it before change can happen. Fortunately, this trash talk seems to be gaining popularity on our Coast. Just last month, someone sent a Sound Off about recycling bins needed in downtown Gulfport. Now, let's talk about bin availability for Gulfport apartment residents.

There are around 50 actual apartment "complexes" in Gulfport. I contacted 33 of these: None have recycling bins available for residents. By "bins," I am referring to the large garbage dumpsters ranging from 3-7 feet.

Waste Pro provides trash and recycling containers for our Coast. From my understanding, Waste Pro requires apartment recycling bins to be placed on the road, not in the usual "cubby holes" where we often see dumpsters. Not only is space an issue but also price, and from my understanding, Waste Pro charges apartment managers a bit extra for recycling dumpsters.

Did you know that for every can you recycle, you save enough energy to run a 60 watt light bulb for 26 hours?

Apartment managers should push for change and, at least, provide resources for residents who would take the time to recycle. Provide bins in mailrooms or host recycling events.

Let's work together to keep Mississippi out of the mire and get Gulfport clean!

This story was originally published June 21, 2016 at 12:06 PM with the headline "Let’s work together to improve our Coast."