To the editor:

I was very disappointed in our community leaders when the recycling initiative was repealed. Our environment should be of the highest priority, especially because ours, Whidbey Island, is a particularly fragile one.

I say this because this earth is our home, we all live here, Democrats and Republicans, rich and poor, young and old. The current state of our earth is neither healthy nor sustainable.

While voluntary recycling is somewhat effective, it is not effective enough, or as effective as 100 percent of our island recycling would be. Curbside recycling is very convenient and makes it easier for families who live farther away from a recycling facility to participate.

It will cost money, but the benefits of mandatory recycling far outweighs any cost. From the view of a teenager, this really says to me that we the youth should have to pick up the mess that will be made from the damage currently being made to our home.

While damage is inevitable given our lifestyles, I think we should all be doing the most we can to help not only the earth but each other. Thank you for listening and aside from the repeal, I hope you had a happy Earth Day.

Reilly Richards

Coupeville