Sources suggest that public high schools in the United States generate approximately 14,000 tons of waste daily, with up to 80% of it being recyclable. Not recycling this waste can lead to overflowing landfills, which take up much space and release potent greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. These gases worsen climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere, causing the Earth to warm up in a process known as global warming.
According to the club sponsor, Mrs. Bergman, the recycling club was brought to West Boca by the AP Capstone students five years ago. The students were finding issues around campus and proposing real-world solutions, which is the idea behind AP Capstone. One of the groups realized that they didn’t recycle, and they proposed the creation of the Going Green Recycling Club and brought it to the administration, who enthusiastically approved the club, and it has taken off since then. This year, under the leadership of Isabelli Lima, Lara De Castro, and Andre Nabuco, they are actively collecting around campus and educating the school about the importance of recycling and environmentalism. Last year, at the final collection, they filled Miss Bergman’s classroom with mountains of recycling, items that students and teachers had collected throughout the year and no longer needed. The club also partners with local elementary schools for Earth Day events, cleanups, etc.
The club brings students together to create a cleaner environment on campus. They also make sure to dispose of the recyclable waste properly. By doing this, the club helps keep the campus clean and reduces the overall waste. “They work tirelessly, they have gathered a team, and I’m so proud of everything they’ve done to make this club so successful and active, and make people more aware of recycling instead of trashing,” said Miss Bergman, the club’s sponsor. Even recycling small amounts of paper helps reduce the school’s overall waste.
“Being part of the Going Green Recycling club has made me more mindful about recycling and inspired me to encourage my friends to do the same.” Said Kerlanee Prosper, a member of the club. The Going Green Recycling Club shows how small actions can add up to big changes. Each recycled piece of paper, cleanup effort, and thoughtful decision helps keep our school cleaner and greener. What the club does is not just good for our school, it is good for the planet, too. Caring for our only planet is something we all need to do. When we work together, these efforts can reach far beyond our school.
