Over the last few weeks, it has become alarmingly apparent that there is a serious lack of recycling occurring – particularly within schools. In my experience, the main issue is not students failing to dispose of recyclable material correctly, but rather the school/ institution giving out misleading information about the final destination of the product in the “recycling bins”.
This leads me to the crucial problem of recycling in schools – or rather the lack of it.
It has come to my attention that many students are being deceived - believing that the paper that they place in recycling bins actually gets recycled. This is a rational and reasonable expectation, as one would expect that a council-provided bin labelled “recycling bin” would serve its function honestly. In my experience, this recyclable material is inevitably combined together with all general waste emanating from schools.
This matter is appalling and unacceptable.
Firstly, it is important to mention the emphasis placed on recycling in primary and secondary schools, and its benefits to the environment as well as the UK’s economy. From a young age, we are taught the reasons for and significance of recycling; strengthening many students’ interests in the environment and how it our duty to protect and cherish the planet of which we are all a part. Through education, we are informed that recycling paper conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces greenhouse emissions and keeps landfill space free for other functions and services. However, when faced with reality of the situation presently occurring within many schools, this teaching is not only hypocritical, but also destructive. This intense education seems irrelevant in schools, if their words cannot be put into action.
From researching the Croydon Council website, I discovered that they can supply green and blue recycling boxes to schools– all free of charge – thus adding to my confusion as to why some schools fail to comply and act according to the expectations of the council (as well as the students). Upon further research, I was made aware that recycling actually saves money; it costs roughly one third of the amount of normal trade waste collections. The mismanagement of recycling in schools does not make environmental or economic sense.
Many students feel terribly ashamed of this lack of care, lack of consideration, and lack of sensitivity towards our precious, natural world. I have also discovered some pupils who are extremely environmentally conscious have felt the need to take home scrap material to recycle– as their school is unable to do so. This is completely preposterous.
Education on recycling in schools is excellent, whether it is from the local council, or teachers themselves. Students are fully motivated to act upon this teaching.
Students are doing their part to help save the environment; we urgently request schools to do theirs.
Natasha Kremis. Coloma Convent Girls' School.
