Author’s Note: This is the ninth in a series featuring people from our list of nearly 200 paid and free senior Alliance-area curbside recyclers.
Jason, Jen, J.J., Jack and Leo Hager
Twelve years ago, after Jason and Jen Hager married, they returned to Alliance where she grew up. The couple stays busy raising three sons, who are all involved in sports. Jen works for Sher Bears and Jason has been with 1st Interstate Bank for 11 years.
Q: How long have you been on curbside, and why did you sign up?
Jen: We’re one of the test people. Someone called us. I’d been on the board (to determine feasibility of curbside recycling in Alliance) . . . We’d been taking it to the spot (KAB trailers) all the time so we were excited.
Q: What do you recycle?
Jen: One (container) for paper; take cardboard boxes to the garage; plastic, glass and tin are mixed; and one for orange bag stuff – we were super excited because of all the stuff that can go in it.
Q: How has this service influenced your opinion of recycling?
Jen: More convenient, we recycled anyway. At Sher Bears at the Methodist Church I said we need to recycle. (Now) we do a lot for the preschool and church. Jasmine was onboard quick.
Q: Newest thing you’ve added to the bag?
Jen: Plastic bags and stuff for orange bags – used to save for archery or grocery stores (they) were always full. We have added drink tops and straws.
Q: Why do you feel it is important to recycle?
Jack: Because if you throw it outside the Earth will be a trash pile. Leo: Looks better when there’s no trash around. (Showing his KAB Black Ops keychain) I always recycle. J.J.: Good for the planet. Jen: Growing up in Alliance we always had Norma Kuhlman who came to the schools. Jason: I grew up in Denver. When I was in the fifth grade we had an Earth-type recycling club. I had moved from Oregon and started it. We met every Wednesday after school and came up with projects.
Q: Other “green” practices at your home?
The family waters flowers with dehumidifier water, tries to turn off lights, conserves water, uses cloth napkins and reusable plastic zipper bags. Jason: We try to use greener devices as long as they’re economical. We have used newspaper and (other alternative materials around the house) for wrapping paper.
Q: Future plans?
Jen and Jason continue to explore new methods of recycling in and outside the home. Jason has been bringing materials home from work such as bottles and shredded paper.