In recent years, Carlmont has attempted to become more eco-friendly. Enlisting the help of Recology, a solid waste management and recycling company, Carlmont plans to raise a higher level of environmental awareness throughout campus.
Recology is recognized as the industry leader in resource recovery, having established the first and largest curb side yard debris and food scraps collection program in the country.
This company makes it easier for consumers to separate their waste into three categories: trash, recycling, and compost. They also advocate WASTE ZERO, a strive to make the best and highest use of all resources that are manufactured, consumed, and discarded.
“Recycling is very important because it keeps things that can be reused out of landfills. It it important that we preserve our resources,” said junior Dylan Coffaro.
Recology started providing these services in communities in the Sequoia Union High School District in January 2011.
Recently, a zero-waste specialist from Recology came to Carlmont and completed a full assessment of the campus. The specialist assists organizations in improving recycling efforts and also helps install more efficient recycling systems.
During the school assessment, it was found that the number of trash cans exceeds the number of recycling cans by a great number, and that not every classroom contains proper bins for students to recycle.
It was proposed that for every garbage can on campus, there should be a recycling can next to it as well.
“If this is convenient for the school to do, then why not do it? However, I think it would be easier for people to recycle if there were large bins or signs in the quad,” suggested junior Tanner Piety.
If the school decides to carry out this plan with Recology, the incorporation of more recycling bins is set to begin in the spring.
Carlmont French teacher Kathy Burton is passionate about incorporating this new recycling program in the school.
“I am almost zero-waste at home, and I know that a lot of students are close to being zero-waste at home as well. In order for this to work, we need to clearly identify the recycling and garbage bins on campus, and make sure that everyone is on board: teachers, students, and faculty,” commented Burton.
Despite attempts to bring more light to the importance of recycling, some students do not see how recycling plays an important role in society.
“I don’t think that recycling is that important. To me, it doesn’t really seem to make a difference,” commented junior Christoph Spilker.
Although Carlmont does have a recycling club, it is hoped that the incorporation of Recology’s programs will heighten the awareness on campus about the importance of recycling.
“We need to get the entire school involved,” stated Burton. “It is a multi-part process, but before we can focus on recycling, we need to deal with the trash problem on campus. We need students to encourage other students to be mindful of their trash and to recycle.”
