Author’s Note: This is the eleventh, and final column, in a series featuring people from our list of nearly 200 paid and free senior Alliance-area curbside recyclers.
Joe, Kasandra, Wriley, Archer and Charlotte Niemeier
Married in 2009, Joe and Kasandra Niemeier moved to Alliance 12 years ago from southern Missouri. Kasandra wrangles the kids and runs their “taxi service.” Joe works for BNSF Railway.
Q: How long have you been on curbside, and why did you sign up?
Kasandra: Three years. Wriley started crying after KAB came to school (fourth grade Black Ops) when we were in the park and were throwing something away (she thought we should recycle). Next week we signed up. We keep a couple containers and sort it in the house. Then Joey takes it out to the KAB containers. The hardest part is when you have people come over and think it’s the trash. Joe: Or they don’t understand recycling.
Q: What do you recycle?
Joe: We try anything that’s recyclable. Kasandra: Lots of paper from the kids’ schoolwork. (Saw how much was being recycled and reduced some items, like a lot of drink bottles).
Q: How has this service influenced your opinion of recycling?
Kasandra: I think we need to do more recycling. It’s been convenient. Joe: The kids use it for crafts then we recycle that. Kasandra: Archer won his division in the (KAB/Knight Museum) art show with a fish.
Q: Newest thing you’ve added to the bag?
Both: Orange bag materials.
Q: Why do you feel it is important to recycle?
Kasandra: God tells us we’re supposed to take care of the Earth. Future generations (should have) a clean planet. Joe: Taking a load out to the landfill and 95 percent of that stuff is recyclable. And, Wriley guilted us. Kasandra: By 2040 they’re predicting clean water will go away and recycling will help with that.
Q: Other “green” practices at your home?
Joe: Try to keep lights off and do the programmable thermostat. Kasandra: Going to more native plants. Joe: We’re growing Dutch white clover – better on water and it’s a nitrogen fixer. Kasandra: We carpool and Joey rides his bike to work. We also garden and can.
Q: Future plans?
The family has a sitting area on the back patio, and has talked about a wall with recycled wine bottles. Last year they did our own compost. Joe said that they’re looking at doing cold frames to grow lettuce and spinach further into the season.