HAMLET – Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. A common slogan that children across the globe are taught to understand during elementary school, yet one that is seldom practiced with consistency in Richmond County.
Consider the amount of recyclable trash generated by one person each day. Then, consider how much of the same is generated by an entire school of 15-year-olds each day.
The numbers are startling, and for some, frustrating.
“Honestly, I was sick of not having a place to recycle my soda cans,” explained Vince Paparella, teacher at Richmond County’s Ninth Grade Academy. “Every time I would go into the school cafeteria, I had a hard time thinking about all the items the kids were throwing away that could be recycled.
“I'm big into recycling,” continued Paparella. “I believe that if something can be used again, why not give it that opportunity?”
With a frustration over the lackadaisical attitudes towards recycling, and a desire to make a difference, motivation sparked within Paparella and lead him to take action.
In late September 2017, the first recycling program at Richmond County’s Ninth Grade Academy was launched.
The program’s structure itself is simple, yet effective. Now, instead of only trash receptacles in places such as the cafeteria and teacher lounges, there are now also recycling bins. As these bins become full with cans and bottles that previously would have been trashed, they are taken and emptied into the school’s recycling dumpster. When the dumpster becomes full, it is then emptied by the county.
Such a program would not be possible without the help and support of individuals across all levels of the school. To keep the recycling program running smoothly, Paparella works closely with Kathy Elvis, a fellow teacher and the school’s science club advisor.
Elvis then aids to the program’s success by working directly with her club’s students to educate them on the topic of recycling, and to employ their help within program’s implementation.
But the program support doesn’t end there. Many of NGA’s other faculty members and janitorial staff are all involved as well.
With the program still in its infancy stages, there is plenty of room for growth. For Paparella, he hopes that as the recycling program matures, a general cultural shift will happen within the school and beyond in regards to the attitudes towards the treatment of waste.
“That starts with education,” Paparella proclaimed. “Citizens and students alike are not aware of the recycling opportunities within their county. They are unaware of what can be recycled and where to do it.
“I believe that should be part of the school system’s responsibility to educate our students on all disposal opportunities,” he continued. “Otherwise, we just throw everything out not thinking where it goes, when in fact all waste goes somewhere.”
Students at the Ninth Grade Academy, as well as at Richmond County’s other schools, who would like to become involved in this program are encouraged to talk to their teachers and administrators about current or potential recycling programs. Additionally, community members who would like to contribute to area recycling efforts are urged to contact their local officials.
