Students can be seen taking advantage of the free chilled water at the Hydration Station during any lunch hour. While viewed simply as a place to quench thirst and try the various flavors, it serves a larger purpose by aiding the plastic-free movement as part of Benilde-St. Margaret’s green initiative.
After the composting project’s success, the composting committee agreed on the next logical step of the green initiative: downsizing the amount of plastic used in the school. “It was kind of a clarity point where everyone was just looking in the same direction,” said Mr. Ted Reiff, Environmental Science Teacher.
While many teachers aid the plastic-free enterprise by banning plastic water bottles in classrooms, differences can also be seen in faculty meetings. “We pretty much have eliminated the plastic water bottles for both internal and external meetings… we now have glass cups,” said Mrs. Debbie Martinson, Executive Assistant to the President.
Students support the initiative as well with great enthusiasm for the Hydration Station, which Taher set up and runs each day. “The best part about they Hydration Station is that it’s not only a good place to get water, but it’s also a great place to hang out with friends,” said junior Daniel Letscher.
Ms. Lynn Lynch, cafeteria manager, conceived the idea of the Hydration Station keeping both students and the green initiative in mind. “Some of the reasons were…one for the wellness…it’s very big now with wellness and BSM hour, two for people who can’t afford to buy a drink during lunch, and the third reason was because of going green so we could cut back on the plastic,” said Ms. Lynch.
These efforts teach students to live a green lifestyle in their futures. “It’s to make the school greener, but it’s also an educational piece…you all take what you learn here and carry it out with you, and we want to make sure that’s part of it,” said Mr. Reiff.
While eliminating plastic all together may be a challenge, the adjustment is possible as 30 percent less plastic bottles are sold per week. “Part of it has just got to be a change in behavior, but what I’ve noticed, is that if you remove the option, you change the behavior,” said Mr. Scott Effertz, Drama Director.
Whatever small difference this initiative makes, it will be worth it. “With the whole green initiative, it’s the little things that can make a difference. If everybody were to choose one thing in their area that would be good for the environment, imagine what an impact that would have,” said Ms. Martinson.
