Allie “Nokko” Johnson is a member of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, and they are passionate about educating young tribal members on the importance of recycling. Johnson creatively helps them craft Christmas ornaments from items that would have been discarded, and even repurposes small crayons into larger ones. “Recycling, in essence, is a form of decolonization for tribal members,” explained Johnson. “In order to create a better future for generations to come, we must first decolonize our present.”
Located in southern Louisiana, the Coushatta Reservation is a small, rural community comprised of about 300 tribal members. Despite the remote location, with the nearest Walmart being a 40-minute drive away, the tribe’s interest in recycling has been steadily growing due to the escalating risks of climate change. In 2014, the tribe took proactive measures by initiating recycling initiatives within tribal offices, organizing recycling competitions for the community, and educating children on recycling practices.
In recent years, federal grant funds have become available to support tribal recycling programs. Last fall, the Coushatta Tribe received a grant of $565,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency to enhance its recycling operation. The grant allowed for repairs to storage facilities, the establishment of a community recycling center, and ongoing educational outreach efforts. However, the funding remains insufficient to cater to the needs of the tribe’s 3,000 residents, both Native and non-Native, in the long run.
Despite the challenges, the Coushatta Tribe remains committed to their recycling efforts. The European Union’s recent ban on single-use plastics and successful recycling models in countries like Germany and South Korea serve as inspiration for the tribe. However, a significant portion of plastic worldwide remains unrecycled, highlighting the pressing need for improved recycling practices.
In the United States, recycling rates vary across different materials, with aluminum having a higher recycling rate compared to plastic and paper. While some states have implemented progressive recycling laws, the absence of a comprehensive federal mandate poses a challenge to achieving higher recycling rates nationally.
In Louisiana, where the recycling rate is low, efforts by tribal communities like the Coushatta Tribe are crucial in promoting sustainable waste management practices. Access to recycling facilities in rural areas remains limited, underscoring the importance of local initiatives to bridge this gap.
Funding remains a primary obstacle for many small-scale recycling programs, including those in tribal communities. Organizations like The Recycling Partnership provide grants to support recycling initiatives, enabling tribes like the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Oklahoma to divert significant amounts of material from landfills through their recycling programs.
Overcoming logistical challenges such as long-distance transportation of materials and securing funding are key priorities for tribal recycling programs. Collaboration between tribal governments, local communities, and external partners is vital in sustaining and expanding recycling efforts in tribal lands.
Despite the financial constraints, tribal recycling programs are making a meaningful impact on waste management practices and environmental conservation within their communities. Through innovative approaches and resourceful solutions, tribes like the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the Choctaw Nation are driving positive change towards sustainable recycling practices.
