IMO: Schools can do more to help save the earth

It may be shocking to know that the most difficult time of my academic school day is when the entire student population gathers to eat lunch. Each day I gaze in amazement as all 1,300 students contribute to the city's landfill. Recycling in the school cafeteria would not only improve the environment, but also make good use of the cafeteria's fixed budget, decrease the amount of trash the school produces and teach the students how to care for the Earth they live on.

One plate lunch consists of an entree, two sides and a carton of milk. If each student purchases a plate lunch, then there are a total of 1,300 Styrofoam (polystyrene) plates, 2,600 Styrofoam bowls and 1,300 cardboard milk cartons being disposed of per day. When I researched and calculated the price of these items I found that the cafeteria spends approximately $140 per day and nearly $25,000 per school year on plates and bowls alone.* In addition, I researched the cost of plastic, washable, cafeteria trays and found that 1,300 trays at $40 each would cost about $50,000.** Although the cost of the washable trays is nearly double the cost of the Styrofoam kitchen ware, it is important to remember that the trays can be washed and reused for years while Styrofoam would continually cost $25,000 per year. I think a savings so enormous should at least be considered.

I spoke to Dr. Mike Cowan, the principal at Central High School, several times but was somewhat discouraged to see that my persistence and research had not made a difference. Each time I spoke with Dr. Cowan, I was faced with a new problem I had to strategically surpass, but I still remain persistent in my quest to save the environment by cutting down on the school's waste.

Each day there are about 900 gallons of trash from the school cafeteria alone, and roughly 1,600 pounds of waste. In one school year the school will produce about 300,000 pounds of waste. In 1998 there were 2.9 billion pounds of polystyrene in landfills around the world, which is a lot considering that polystyrene is 95 percent air and weighs little. I believe if we revolutionize our cafeteria and recycle, then we can decrease our trash production anywhere from 500 to 1,000 pounds less, or perhaps even more if the community works together.

Working together is a big part of making a difference. Every day I gather recyclables from my lunch table. Still, I could not possibly fit the amount being thrown away into my locker and backpack combined. If everyone does his or her part to help the environment, the more likely we are as a whole to be successful. I think recycling in school would teach the students and staff how to care for and protect the Earth. If the school recycles it will encourage those who attend the school to recycle at home or in their community. If people continue to throw away our natural resources, then future generations could end up mining our landfills.

Recycling at Central High School would greatly improve our environment. The use of reusable trays in the cafeteria would decrease the amount of trash being produced, benefit our school's budget and encourage the faculty and students to recycle. If we all work together we can make a difference.

Ali Herzog is a senior at Cape Girardeau Central High School. She loves art and is passionate about recycling.

* Number reflects retail price of items.

Number reflects average price of item.

IMO serves as a space for teens in Southeast Missouri to speak their mind and argue their point for something they are passionate about. Topics can range from recycling to love to sports to television — anything that affects or reflects the teenage population. So what's on your mind? If you would like to submit your opinion to the neXt page, send an essay with your name, school and contact information to features editor Chris Harris at charris@semissourian.com.