Thanks to top-notch educators who are avid recyclers and environmentalists - and students who are excited to participate in sustainability projects - Gadsden High School has launched its own Green Team.
To create a recycling buzz for the students, oversized recycling bins shaped like water bottles were placed in all the hallways at the high school. “We’re bringing these bottle-shaped bins into the schools because they are visually exciting,” explained Irene Holguin, ACO/Codes and Keep Doña Ana County Beautiful coordinator (KDACB).
The South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) has partnered with KDACB to support and assist the Gadsden Green Team with the recycling effort. SCSWA Recycling Coordinator Tarkeysha Burton and Holguin work with educators Ramon Quiraga, who teaches agriculture, floriculture, and landscape design, Elizabeth Cuevas (childhood education); Lilia Melendrez (English); and Sylvia Schapekahm (culinary and nutrition skills).
Burton and Holguin provide guidance and outreach materials such as “Recycle Right!” t-shirts, backpacks for students, BPA-free reusable water bottles.
In monthly meetings at the school, Burton and Holguin both ask how best they can support the teachers – did they need more bins? – how well is the program doing? – how full are the bins in the weekly pickups?
Making recycling a daily lifetime habit requires a cultural shift for both students and teachers. The Green Team has created lesson plans weaving in the topic of recycling, and they are asking students to present on the benefits of recycling, which will also benefit their public speaking skills. They also encourage other teachers to keep small recycling bins by their desks as a model to their students and as a reminder for them to do their part.
Students have responded. One group is even taking a deeper initative, not only collecting recyclables from classrooms, but wanting to personalize the giant water bottle bins with messaging that is very clear and appeals to students.
As Ramon Quiraga cuts flowers for a student’s order between class periods, he drops some wry and impromptu life advice. “Be sure to buy her flowers for no reason too, not just when she’s mad.” The student laughs. Quiraga takes time not only to help his students with relationship sustainability, but also with environmental sustainability as a member of Gadsden High School’s new Green Team.
Green Connections is submitted by the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) managing solid waste, recyclables, and working to stop illegal dumping for residents and businesses throughout Doña Ana County. Contact the SCSWA at (575) 528-3800 or visit www.SCSWA.net.