Styrofoam out of Schools

On Tuesday, November 17, 2009, I went to a presentation given by the Greener Schools Committee.  In beginning lecture, I learned how each New York City Public School is supposed to have a sustainability coordinator, but due to budget costs, this position is no longer available. A Sustainability Coordinator’s job would focus on prioritizing environmental projects and creating a unified strategy to move New York City Public Schools ahead.  Recruiting a coordinator could increase sustainability of practices such as recycling, energy and water use, transportation, and food services. It was interesting to note that if the New York City Schools did establish this position, the savings in energy and waste, would have the potential to make up for costs in establishing the position.

One of the guest speakers was Debby Lee from the Parson’s School of Design. She discussed how the use of Styrofoam trays are over used in schools and are posing a threat to our environment.  Debby and her students took dirty Styrofoam trays from local Public Schools such as PS 41 and PS 163 and turn them into 3-D artwork!  I learned that these trays take hundreds of years to decompose in our soil.  An interesting point, Debby made, “waste is measured by weight not volume.” Styrofoam is so light in weight that it is taking up so much room in our recycling facilities.  Also, the chemicals used in Styrofoam has been linked to certain Cancers. Debbie’s father, a Styrofoam worker, died from cancer, which she hypothesizes that the Styrofoam was the cause of death.

Debby showed the importance of the working together with your community to advice social justice.  She claims that she was successful with her project was because she worked with the cafeteria management and custodians in schools. There are three possible reasons why New York City Public Schools continue to use Styrofoam trays-- 1. It’s cheap 2. Easy to store 3. Plastic industry spends millions on lobbying.  I was shocked to hear that only 30 out of 1600 schools have dishwashers.  If the DOE gave schools a billion-dollar grant, Debby concludes, “ Most schools do not have the infrastructure to run one of these units.”

To achieve social justice as an educator, Debby mentions, the importance of first getting the citizen’s approval by creating a petition. Debby has already over 600 signatures. Next, Debby suggests, working on a class project to get student’s attention about what is going on.  Working with your school is staff is another crucial factor for bring change. Finally Debby concludes with starting a wellness committee.

Debby’s more practical solutions for not using Styrofoam plates was focusing on reduction such as--having students carry their own food, creating edible plates and “Tray less Tuesday’s.” Debby closed her lecture with how important it is to put pressure on the government. We can’t wait for the change it must begin with us. As we have discussed in class, Civil Rights Movement change can begin with ordinary people like Debby. This lecture was extremely engaging and relevant to me, because I am a supporter of environmental justice, and making our schools greener. I highly recommend attending one of these meetings!