- Knowing what exactly CAN and CANNOT be recycled (for example yogurt containers, styrofoam, plastic utensils, plastic cups, straws, peanut butter jars are not included in the cartons/metals/foils/bottles category).
- Even if something cannot be recycled, remember the 3 R's: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse! Use those plastic bags as garbage bags.
- Work with the custodial staff within your school to identify storage areas, label containers, post signs, acquiring appropriate receptacles (only clear bags for recyclables).
- Rechargeable batteries and old electric equipment don't need to be thrown in the garbage. They can be donated or recycled.
I also learned about all of the recognition schools are getting for having outstanding recycling programs and composting projects. The Golden Apple and Golden Shovel award winners feature news stories on schools that are helping to beautify the world, even here in NYC. To learn more about this you can visit nyc.gov/wasteless/goldenapple.
The part of the presentation that really caught my attention as a future educator of social justice regarded the "Keeping Styrofoam Out of Schools Campaign." The presenter spoke about the 600 signatures she collected for this petition to come up with a solution to this problem. Yes styrofoam is cheap, sturdy, lightweight, and does not require a dishwasher, but it is harmful to the planet. Any age group of students can learn about this and see how it is affecting animals, wildlife, and earth's future. I immediately thought of the M & M's protest after hearing about this petition and thought this is an issue students could potentially become passionate about. Making a change by lobbying, protesting, and presenting their own ideas on how to find a better alternative from styrofoam trays is definitely a social justice issue. Also, I feel like students don't have to feel down if they have a protest and do not see an immediate change. They can make daily life choices about conserving energy, recycling, reducing, and reusing and feel that they are contributing to a better world, a better society.
I agree that this would be an awesome project to do with students. I think a project like this would help students/ children be aware, but also the adults. Its amazing to see what awareness can do, that alone can make a huge difference. This seems to have been an awesome event, and something that as teachers we could/should follow up on.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like it was a fascinating experience. What I found most interesting while reading was when you explained what a difference it makes to know what can and cannot be recycled. This made me think of my own student teaching experience at Stephen Gaynor. The theme of the school this year is "Be good to each other. Be good to the Earth." In every classroom there are three different waste baskets; one for garbage, one for paper, and one for plastic. The students get really excited about recycling and always remind each other where their waste goes. I feel that the recycling program in the school works so well because the students have actually been educated on the topic. At the beginning of the year, my teacher reviewed with the children where their garbage goes. Simply having the right bins in the classroom and briefly educating students on the matter can make all the difference.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting event! I love how the topic is something that can easily be translated into our schools. Now I know why you were so interested in adding it to our project. Making small choices, or even school-wide choices, are the beginning small ways students can see themselves making a difference and hopefully lead to further changes down the road.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of the comments, this is a great experience for especially the youngest of school children to be involved in. I see a slew of projects and connections to different subjects based on this topic. It is also a change that young children can make in school, as well as, bring home to their families. Also, seeing that there is an alternative, recycled paper plates, it can help young children feel a sense of accomplishment to start them on the path of social justice.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such an interesting presentation. This is a topic that the students that I've worked with are really interested in and could be a very accessible and interesting project to do with students. I think it would be interesting to find out how many schools are actually recycling. I know the school I am at for America Reads has the seperate bins for recycling and trash, and the students use them correctly, but I've been told by the teachers I've worked with that at the end of the day everything from both the recycling and garbage are dumped together and thrown out. I hope this isn't a common practice across other schools.
ReplyDeleteStyrofoam is constructed from foamed polystyrene and was first developed with 1941 by Dew Labs. Once you get some Styrofoam it'll look really poor and to interrupt, actually after you carry out crack it you will notice it's crumbly texture. Actually in the event Styrofoam is definitely with the right products it becomes strong. The other supplies include tangible or maybe pressed paper.
ReplyDeleteStyrofoam Sheets