ONE BOTTLE AT A TIME

By MICHAEL DEPAOLO

MICHAEL DEPAOLO FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

The world population continues to grow at an alarming rate and each human being adds significant waste to the planet over his or her lifetime. In New York alone, people produce enough trash in one day to fill the Empire State building.  The frustrating thing is that in most developed countries, it is not too difficult to make a difference.  For instance, a small gesture such as everyone repurposing their copy of a single edition of The New York Times could save 75,000 trees.

Students that are already overwhelmed with sports, clubs, music programs and other extracurriculars, might think joining another club will push them over the edge, but not if they knew how much of an impact the club can make on the environment.  Helping with  Washingtonville’s recycling program would be a benevolent and educational activity.  

The school currently has separate recycling bins for paper and plastic in every classroom, lunchroom, and even in the hallways.  Having these bins in so many places are helpful reminders for students of how important it is to recycle that water bottle they take to school every day, or all the paper the students get from their teachers.  This helps the school and the community become a greener place.

Recycling one bottle goes a long way!

The Recycling Club is part of the Community Service Club and is run by Siddarth Bhagirath and Max Kissack.  They meet every Friday to collect from the bins.  They collect all of the NY bottles in garbage bags and one volunteer each week goes to the bottle deposit in exchange for money.  The money then goes to the Community Service Club as a whole.  According to Sid, “It’s a great thing to do to make the earth a better place.  Although it’s only one school, recycling it still helps slowly but surely.” 

This club truly is about teaching teens the impacts little things like recycling can to to not only improve  the school, but the community around us.  Molly Dudek states, “The club really has helped teach not only me, but many others how important such a small task can be.”  

Recycling teaches important lessons about the environmental impact of everyday life. Without exception, recycling is the one of the top actions society can do to simultaneously improve the environment, the economy, sustainable manufacturing and to prevent waste from going into oceans.  Incorporating recycling into school life helps people think about their role in creating a sustainable environment for future generations.  Getting others to recycle is easier than one might think.   This club is one that definitely shows how the students of WHS are reducing their carbon footprint one water bottle at a time.