
Aaron Jiang ’23
As part of the lenten program, Salesian High has taken seemingly small yet significant steps towards contributing to a better environment. Thanks to the initiative, hard work, and leadership of Mr. Andrew Marinaccio ‘09 of the National Honor Society (NHS), a new green recycling bin has been implemented in the school. Previously, there had only been two bins: the traditional black garbage bin and blue bin, which students were confused about whether it was for plastics or paper. As a result, the two categories were often mixed. Therefore, by implementing this new recycling program, the NHS hopes to reduce the amount of waste produced by the school and promote environmental consciousness, where education of such bin usage will also be maintained.
The new green recycling bin is part of a larger effort to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. By recycling, the school can significantly decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, thereby reducing the amount of methane gas that is released into the atmosphere. This will help to combat climate change, a critical issue that affects us all. For reference, each A4 size paper will, on average, save 20 grams of carbon dioxide depending on the manufacturing process and type of paper.
The new recycling program is easy to use and accessible to everyone. The larger green bin is located in a central area of the school where students, faculty, and staff can easily dispose of their recyclables, while the smaller bin will be available in every single classroom. The implementation of the green recycling bin is just the beginning of Salesian’s commitment to the environment. The ultimate goal is to create a culture of environmental responsibility within the school community that will inspire others to take action as well.