There are those who simply observe the need to go green, and then there is Sarah Kubik.

For the last two years, Kubik, 28, has worked to improve Detroit's recycling situation. She is a founder of Recycle Midtown and Recycle Detroit, and a major player in Recycle Here: a joint effort to renew the city's recycling contract.

Kubik's research into recycling actually began four years ago at Wayne State University. It was a class in environmental conflict that sparked her interest.

"At that time, out-of-state waste was a huge issue," Kubik said. "I did an internship at the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor and I started to learn the policy. It fascinated me."

By August of 2004, Kubik was back in Detroit, networking with the community in what would lead to the creation of Recycle Midtown in 2005.

"I partnered with local businesses and community folks," Kubik said. "We ran it for about fifteen months."

It was during this time that Recycle Midtown, along with other local organizations, began to inquire the city about the state of its recycling contract. When it came to light that the contract was to be put up for bid, Kubik stepped up to the plate.

A partnership was created when Recy-clean, Detroit City Recycling, and Recycle Detroit, Kubik's newly formed non-profit, assembled to become Recycle Here. In December 2006, the city accepted Recycle Here's bid, offering the contract to Kubik and her partners.

"The city contract hadn't changed in 17 years and with the operation of Recycle Midtown we were able to receive the city contract within 15 months."

On January 7, 2007 Recycle Here had its first day of recycling for the city collection.

Kubik continues to work with Recycle Detroit. "We have a city collection two days a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and, on my off-time, I'm going to schools and teaching about recycling," Kubik said.

Recycle Detroit recently organized "Paradise Valley: An Earth Day Observance" along with Building With Books, which took place on April 21. The event offered local students a chance to learn about the history of the area and clean up Cass Park.

"I picked Cass Park because I thought it was an area that we really need to concentrate on," Kubik said, "It's kind of the heart of the city and we're losing green space."

Aside from learning about the problem's facing Detroit parks, students met with Michigan Veteran's Association for lunch, and offered ideas to improve on the experience for next year.

"The event was amazing, the kids really were excited," Kubik said. "I'm hoping that Recycle Detroit can adopt the park."

As for the general concept of going green, Kubik says it is time for everyone to step up and contribute.

"It's 2007, and we can see that our choices have caused some conflict with out environment; and, unfortunately, it's taken a vice president to win an Academy Award to tell us that global warming is an issue.

"We need to work with our youth. We said that 37 years ago with the original Earth Day and we've only made it worse."

Kubik also believes that the city would benefit economically as well as environmentally from creating "green powered industry".

"The incinerator, for instance, probably employs about 110 people," Kubik said. "You start a recycling program, you could employ about 1,000 people.

"Think about it, you have to pick up, you have to separate it, process it, and manufacture it. Where, if you just put it in one big fire, all it's going to do is burn."

Nick Degel
detroitfashionpages.com