By Shayan Abbasi
Take a look. Campus waste is getting out of control. Taking a walk down from the English halls to the History halls, I cannot help but notice the abundance of trash littering our school’s campus. Upon further inspection, it is apparent that most of this waste is due to cafeteria discardings.
Apple juice cartons, pizza trays, lunch boxes. A common pattern can be noticed here. From disposable coffee cups to plastic containers discarded after a single use, it seems like we’re surrounded by items mechanically designed to harm the environment. However, reducing waste and trash on campus is not only good for the environment, it can also help you save money and feel connected to the community.
Several ways students can reduce waste around campus are:
Bring your own utensils and reusable containers
Imagine you have a test next period that you did not study for. The lunch period, meant as a period of rest and relaxation, turns into a stress-filled 30 minutes of last minute cramming. When you’re on the go, it can be tempting to grab a quick bite to eat and carelessly discard the remaining package in the trash. However, there are more environmentally conscious choices available, such as bringing your own utensils and reusable containers. Though bringing a full set of eating utensils to school everyday may sound incredibly irritating, it can be a solution to an ever-growing problem. It can reduce waste and lessen the burden on the environment.
Start a compost pile
Composting is a cost-effective solution to a growing problem. An effective and environmentally conscious way to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil, it is a simple way to clean up our campus. However, composting has more benefits than simply reducing waste. Starting a compost pile can help create a sustainable source of fertilizer for our campus’s plants and gardens. Students can take initiative by starting a compost club on campus!
Use a reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important, and disposable plastic water bottles seem like a cost-effective way to drink water. However, they are also a scourge on the environment and a major source of waste. Instead, invest in a reusable water bottle such as a HydroFlask and bring it to school! Apart from being the more environmentally-conscious option, it can also be decorated with stickers and paint to make it all quirky and uniquely yours!
Start a zero-waste club
Are you passionate about reducing waste on campus, but unsure of how exactly to do so? Then consider starting your own zero-waste club! A great way to connect with like-minded students, and looking good on college applications, it can help make a positive impact on the community. Many events, such as cleanups, educational workshops, and planting trees, can be organized.
To end off
Reducing waste on campus may seem futile, but it has a big impact on the environment. By taking a few seconds out of your day, through a few simple steps such as reducing your own waste and encouraging others to do the same, you can improve our community, one apple juice box carton at a time.
