Earlier this month, students at McLean saw a couple new recycling bins make an appearance, including one next to the rock entrance, sporting a different color than the traditional blue. Initial reactions of the red recycling bins were mixed. Senior Michael Grady is one student who did not like the change in color.

“I’m offended, I’m really offended and I’ve taken it personally,” Grady said, “Red does not represent recycling. Red represents fire, death and negativity”

Others, however, feel no different as the recycling bin is still being used for the same purpose. Simply having more recycling bins at McLean will promote a more eco-friendly atmosphere.

“I like it because they promote recycling and I hope to see more of them around,” senior Farah Schneider said, “I always recycle when there’s a bin around but in some classrooms where there isn’t [one] I do what’s convenient and just throw bottles away”

Recycling bins have been the most recognizable of the human race’s conscious efforts to sustain life on Earth for quite some time. AP Environmental Science teacher Kip Rogers has witnessed the evolution of McLean’s growth in attempting to be more eco-friendly and understands how to accommodate for a lazier society.

“A lot of times when we’re talking about programs like composting or recycling, the easier you can make it for people to take advantage of the easier and more buy in you’ll end up getting.” Rogers said.

Despite some initial divide in reactions towards the new recycling bins, there is hope for the future in the change of color.

“I think it’s better because it matches the school colors.” Rogers said, “[It might] confuse people at first and it might take a couple months to a year but I think people will learn to identify red with recycling.”