As of today, 32% of Americans recycle. Becoming a part of that percentage, the upcoming revamped Coral Gables Senior High recycling program strives to make an environmental community. Known as Lady Green Recycling, the initiative has placed recycling stations throughout campus, promoting a culture of green awareness to the crevasses of the Gables family.
While the recycling program started over a year ago within the Green Club, due to the lack of an advisor and funding, it was paused. However, this year, the Parent Teacher Student Association members reinstated the program and continued its previous mission: create a greener campus. With faculty in charge, the first goal became to receive the Green ‘Gold’ Apple certification. Recognized by the Florida Green School Designation Program for preserving Florida’s natural resources, the PTSA managed to achieve the milestone on Jan. 24. Getting to keep the award for three years, their newest goal became to spread awareness of the bins, an alternative to help students and staff recycle.
“I’m really happy with this new compost and recycling program. As the years go by, I want to be a part of this [initiative] because I want to make a difference. I also strongly believe that this will be very beneficial for the environment and it’s a great idea for [Coral] Gables High,” sophomore Brooke Lawson said.
Every two to three weeks, PTSA members and other volunteers work with Mrs. Green to pick up bins across campus for recycling. Within the organization, they accept any size bins that are filled with cardboard-mixed paper, plastic bottles, aluminum cans and electronic recycling.
“We still find ourselves here on campus educating, but I think students still haven’t understood how to recycle properly. Landfills are becoming a big problem in our schools, our local laws, countries and even globally. And I believe we start here, where within the [recycling] program, we can branch out to students to educate and inform them about the real needs of the school and world,”volunteer Ms. McGrath said.
Aside from giving the Cavaliers a new look walking to class, Lady Green Recyling will ensure that Gables maintains a positive look. As for the bins, every waste container has its own purpose and once these bins are filled, the team picks up the bins. As days progress, Lady Green Recycling will soon have Cavaliers contributing to a greener community.
“Although I’m not a sponsor or anything, I fully support [the recycling program’s] initiative. As a teacher, I will happily inform any students who wish to learn more about this program. This educates us on the importance of composting and by composting, we are able to make a community garden. I believe that this program, benefits everyone at Gables, especially students,” Ms. Keily said.
The recycling program is not done yet. In many hopes, Lady Green Recycling is providing important education on recycling to students, and a sense of caring for the environment, without forgetting the importance of good grades at Gables.
“Not only for the sake of the program, but I believe that we need more students involved. In my opinion, students need to be more aware of recycling so that they have a mindset to reduce and reuse at all times. And they start here at [Coral] Gables High where we can educate them to start by maybe creating a new Green Club,” Mrs. Chevalier said.
