By Zoe Kaldes and Gigi Bryant
At WMS, a group of students is working very hard to protect the environment and make their community more eco-friendly. These students are part of the Green Team, a club dedicated to helping the community, and the planet, one project at a time.
Paper and Cardboard Recycling
This year the Green Team is taking on some major challenges. One of their main projects is to create school-wide recycling systems for paper and cardboard. Right now, a lot of paper that could be recycled is just being thrown away. Green Team students have added new cardboard boxes in every classroom to recycle these items. Now only plastic bottles and other plastic or aluminum recyclables should be thrown into the old, blue recycling bins. This way, recyclable paper and cardboard is separated from plastic and aluminum drink containers to ensure that it all actually gets recycled when it gets to the waste treatment facility.
Multi-Purpose Club?
The WMS Green Team isn’t only about recycling, though. The club meets every Tuesday to brainstorm ideas, work on their projects, and figure out new and effective ways to raise awareness about environmental issues. Along with their advisor, Mrs. Walsh, the students are dedicated and determined to make a difference in the school and the Weston community.
In the past, they’ve worked on projects like assembling the courtyard, and adding bird friendly stations around the campus. They’ve also hosted many school-wide presentations to educate other students about the importance of recycling, such as the 6th grade HRRA presentation, which helped students learn about how Connecticut as a state, deals with our trash and recycling.
For many students, being part of the Green Team is about more than just helping our community. It’s also a chance to work with friends, learn new skills, and take on leadership roles. Team members help plan events, present their ideas, and even plan Green presentations.
What makes the Green Team so profound is that it gives students a voice. They’re not just discussing problems, they’re finding solutions to these problems, and making them happen. While their projects are focused on our school right now, these young activists are being taught lessons that will last a lifetime.
When asked if students usually continue their interest in a Green Team Mrs. Walsh said, “If someone cares about the environment, they will continue to care about the environment.” These students are serious about their mission, and many students stick with the Green Team because they’re passionate, and care about protecting our environment.
The Green Team's dedication and effort shows that even middle schoolers can make a difference. Whether it’s making recycling bins or inspiring friends and peers to care about the planet, the students at WMS are proving that you’re never too young to help the planet.
With their big ideas and even bigger hearts, the Green Team will continue to make Weston — and the world — a little greener.