Module 3 Putting First Things FIrst

 

            

In this week’s blog post I want to focus on putting first things first. I want to take you through how Los Angeles the county is currently leading the way in the recycling efforts I have been discussing in my previous blog posts. On learninggreen.laschools.org they state “​Since 2015 we have focused on sustaining the existing recycling programs in 600+ schools (over 300 schools successfully continue with a full process lunch recycling program), shifting more schools to tray-stacking and milk-pouring as well as establishing food share programs during lunchtime.” (LAUSD, n.d.) This is a prime example of people putting recycling first these schools have gamified the recycling programs in their schools and even have healthy competitions amongst different schools.

            As a future educator I hope we can learn from these schools and all the great things they are doing to leverage them at our own local schools. Teachers and students have the power to change and influence the programs currently at their schools. According to the United States Census Los Angeles county has a population of over ten million Americans (USCENSUS, 2020) They have created a mission to increase awareness of the amount of stuff that can be reused or recycled with a current goal of “Increase the district's landfill diversion rate to 70% by 2020” (LAUSD, n.d.). We can put our priorities in line and organize new ways to change the system such as those seen in LA.

            We as locals can influence change as I stated above by reaching out to local organizations as I stated last week. You can also become a local activist and petition your schools to reach new agreements on recycling programs. The worst thing you can do as an activist is do nothing at all. If you state you have no time but also state that this cause is important to you then I beg you to listen to what Steven Covey stated, “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage presently smiling, non-apologetically to say no to other things.” (Covey, 1999, p. 78)

            My only goal of this blog is to help limit the unnecessary waste from schools entering our landfills. I challenged you (The reader) last week to find out your mission and values that make up your life. If you did this then I urge you (Teachers, Students, Parents) to take 10 minutes and contact your local school to see if they are making a difference in the recycling world. Ask them what program they currently have in place and then inquire on how you can get involved. This is the best way you can advocate for change by placing this cause as a priority and planning time to make things change.

References

Covey, S. (1999). The 7 habits of highly effective people. London: Simon & Schuster.

Unknown Author, L. (2020). Campus waste reduction. Retrieved February 03, 2021, from http://learninggreen.laschools.org/campus-waste-reduction.html

USCENSUS, U. (2020). Data.census.gov. Retrieved February 03, 2021, from https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0500000US06037

Media Source

Smalley, M. (2019, May 29). NRRA presents nine awards for SCHOOL recycling programs. Retrieved February 03, 2021, from https://www.wastetodaymagazine.com/article/nrra-awards-school-recycling-programs-new-hampshire-2019/