Waste Reduction & Recycling

Green Schools Challenge Activities:

STE(A)M Activity - Ditch the Plastic

CREATE YOUR OWN - Submit Lesson Plan click here

Points for participation will be based on a rubric. Download here.

Water Reduction & Recycling Activity Submission Form Click Here

What's the problem?

The EPA estimates that the U.S. generates over 292.4 million tons of solid waste per year, with only 94 million tons recycled or composted.  Before 2018, the U.S. sent contaminated recyclables to China, where some were used in manufacturing, and the rest ended up in the ocean. When China stopped accepting these imports, the U.S. had to adapt its recycling processes. Many cities needed help to adjust, leading to reduced funding for recycling plants and an increase in the burning of recyclable products. The biggest challenge for recycling is contamination by non-recyclables. The EPA notes that food waste is the largest single material in landfills. Food waste is a significant issue, with 63 million tons wasted in 2018. 

Why should we care?

According to the EPA, 62% of landfill materials like food, paper, cardboard, textiles, and plastics could be recycled or composted. Proper recycling could divert over half of landfill waste, reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases from raw material processing. Excessive waste contributes to air pollution, groundwater contamination, and biodiversity loss. For example, food waste in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Incinerating recyclables, especially plastics, releases toxic fumes harmful to public health. Marine pollution from improper waste disposal harms ecosystems globally, with 100,000 marine mammals killed yearly by plastic.  

What can we do?

Effectively managing solid waste is crucial for the environment. Starting a recycling initiative and educating people on what can and cannot be recycled are vital. Individually, reducing single-use plastics like straws, water bottles, and cups is effective. Schools and communities can organize beach cleanups and promote sustainable practices such as using biodegradable utensils and food sharing in cafeterias to reduce waste. Composting at home or school supports local agriculture by reducing food waste. Finally, supporting businesses that reduce non-biodegradable plastics and raising awareness about ocean plastic pollution are also important actions.