Every day at HMHS, we toss bottles, wrappers, and paper into trash cans that could easily be recycled. Lights are left on in empty classrooms, and the cafeteria fills trash bags with disposable trays and utensils. These small habits contribute to a significant problem: HMHS isn’t doing enough to take care of our environment.

To gather students’ opinions, I surveyed 50 randomly selected students regarding our school’s environmental practices. 66% admitted that they “rarely” or “never” see recycling bins being used appropriately, while only 10% feel that the school is doing enough to reduce waste or energy use. However, 80% are in favor of switching to compostable trays and utensils in the cafeteria, even if it means a slight increase in lunch prices.

The Problem

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that schools generate approximately 4.7 pounds of waste per person per day. For a school of around 900 students and staff, that adds up to over 4,000 pounds of trash every single day. A significant portion of that waste could be recycled or composted, but instead, it ends up in landfills, which not only costs money but also harms the planet.

It’s not that students don’t care; it’s just that the school hasn’t made sustainability easy to access. Recycling bins are often confusing or even missing, cafeteria materials aren’t eco-friendly, and there’s no system in place to encourage energy savings. If we don’t make a change, this waste problem will only get worse.

The Solution

Here’s what HMHS can do to make a difference with three simple steps:

1. Recycling and composting program: HMHS could add clearly labeled bins for paper, bottles, and compostable food waste in hallways and the cafeteria. Perhaps we can find help from certain clubs to spread awareness.
2. Compostable cafeteria materials: HMHS can partner with suppliers to replace plastic trays and utensils with compostable options. Many other high schools have already taken this step.
3. Energy efficiency upgrades: Installing motion-sensor lights in classrooms and bathrooms can help reduce electricity usage.

While these changes do come with costs—around $2,000 for the recycling and compost bins and about $3,000 for the motion sensors—there’s a good chance the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s School Recycling Grant Program could cover a significant chunk of the expenses. Plus, over time, the school could save money on energy and waste costs.

Why This Matters

These changes aren’t solely money-focused; it’s about showing that HMHS stands by its values and cares for our community and the environment. We’d be able to see real improvements, such as cleaner hallways and less waste.

If this issue is left ignored, we’ll continue to send thousands of pounds of trash to landfills every week. On the other hand, if we take action now, we can transform HMHS into a cleaner, more innovative, and more sustainable school.