COLUMN: Don't let recycling get trashed in Walton County

I just returned home from the courthouse annex after attempting to pick up more rolls of the blue “recycling” bags. 

After searching around, I finally inquired as to where they might be. I was told that they were all out. When I asked when they were going to return, I was told they might not be coming back!

What does this mean?

Is there an end of all the efforts that have been put forth by all of our earth-friendly local family?  I will admit that I am not 100 percent on the straight and narrow when it comes to recycling, but I am constantly making an increased effort. 

I loved the blue bags. Recycling works.  It makes a difference in our area in keeping up with the beautiful blue waters and white sandy beaches.  With local efforts, we are letting the wonderful vacationers and our part-time homeowners know that we care about our environment, and we plan to keep this beautiful land just as it is.

So, when wondering what I can do to keep in tune with our quest for a clean earth, I am proposing an opportunity to keep the recycling going.  For a minimal fee of $20 a month, I will come to your residential houses, vacation homes and pick up a bag of recycling once a week.  This is of course is $5 a week and will be set on an individual basis.

I will then transfer the recyclables to the various bins and/or the DeFuniak recycling plant. This charge covers gas and the added vehicle expenses.  I do not plan on making a profit with this, just providing a service that is much-needed.  If this does grow into a large operation, I plan on giving back to the community with a tree planting donation or other community-geared programs. 

As some of you know I, along with my mother Margie own Bella Flora. Being a florist and having a business, we are making a pledge to go green this year — from burning the trash we can, starting a compost pile with the cut stems and discarded flowers, and recycling glass, plastic and paper.  This in turn will help us to grow new and beautiful flowers and plants at our studio in Freeport.  This is where we plan to one day turn into a place of learning about plants, flowers, and all things growing. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to start a pick up.  This is just a start to what I hope will be a wonderful community effort.

Thank you all so much for the support.

Melanie Jordan is a Santa Rosa Beach resident and co-owner of the floral shop Bella Flora. Contact her at at 880-6201 or Bellamelaniej@aol.com.