Discover the Pioneers Powering Bronx Science's Waste Management, and Find Out How You Can Join Their Ranks!
Bronx Science Takes Strides Towards Zero Waste
Bronx Science is making significant strides in its commitment to environmental sustainability, with the school's Sustainability Team, student-led Green Team, and nonprofit Zero Waste Schools working together to reduce the school's environmental footprint.
At the heart of this initiative is Mr. Geoffrey Hockert, a member of the Sustainability Team, who is advocating for correcting misconceptions among students about recyclable and compostable materials. He believes that most people care about the Earth's future, but some just need a nudge in the right direction.
One common mistake among students involves throwing biodegradable school lunch utensils in the trash. Heeta Thakkar '24, a student leader, founded Zero Waste Schools, a nonprofit distinct from the NYC DOE program bearing the same name, to campaign for environmentally friendly legislation in New York state and raise funds for the school's waste management initiatives.
In early 2023, the cafeteria acquired several new waste disposal stations, each with five bins for separating liquids, hard plastics and glass, paper, trash, and compost. The Green Team is training student volunteers to monitor the cafeteria bins during some lunch periods to ensure correct disposal of leftovers.
However, the distinction between the waste bins at Bronx Science has become increasingly hazy, resulting in severe contamination of the bins. This contamination has led to the school currently producing only one usable bag of compost each day.
To combat this issue, the school is integrating interactive, age-appropriate curriculum content, hands-on activities, and practical waste management initiatives. The goal is to equip students with knowledge, practical skills, and motivation to practice responsible waste management, thus helping reduce environmental impact effectively.
The key strategies include curriculum integration, hands-on learning and school-wide initiatives, educational workshops and resources, field trips and community partnerships, sustainability projects, and family and community engagement.
The school is also part of a citywide initiative to foster responsible waste habits. The Green Team and Zero Waste Schools are attempting to transform Bronx Science through leadership meetings, fundraising, and school events. Mr. Hockert expressed his desire for Bronx Science to be a leader amongst others regarding waste management.
Sophia One '25 stressed that one person's choice to recycle can break the herd mentality and lead others to wise decisions. She believes that fostering new habits of thinking about waste management early in life can help reduce the need for retraining in the future.
The twenty-three Centralized Recycling Systems were paid for by funds raised by Zero Waste Schools. These systems are scattered throughout the hallways, and they play a crucial role in the school's waste management efforts.
As Bronx Science continues to work towards its goal of becoming a zero-waste school, the efforts of the Sustainability Team, the Green Team, and Zero Waste Schools are making a tangible difference in the school's environmental impact.
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