Earth Day was the rollout date of the school-wide recycling program, and since then a dedicated group of students have handled the logistics, along with the support of teachers and administrators. Next year, the club plans to expand their work into other school buildings and host an education campaign to reduce waste and perfect recycling processes.  

The composting program was initiated the first week of May, which is a great way to convert a school’s food scraps and yard waste into valuable, natural fertilizer that can then be added to school gardens and lawns. As of right now, CSN is the only school actively composting with a service in South Florida. We diverted 2,539 pounds of food waste away from the landfill in about 18 days, and that was just from the kitchens. Next year, both dining halls will have comprehensive composting programs.  

Benefits include:

• diverting waste from the landfill and preventing the subsequent production of methane (a powerful greenhouse gas)

• empowering and encouraging students to take positive environmental action

• enhancing curriculum-based learning

• providing opportunities for hands-on learning activities (waste audits)

• acting as a role model for other schools

• helping our school reach its sustainability targets

• educating family and community members about the benefits of composting