SHS Recycling is Moving in the Right Direction, Thanks to Louisa Kinsley

Two years ago, SHS junior Louisa Kinsley started an initiative to increase recycling at Scituate High School. After discovering the contents of the school’s “recycling bins” actually end up in the regular trash, Kinsley felt the need to get involved. All biodegradable waste at the school is dispatched to the trash due to the cost associated with recycling. Kinsley is determined to solve the recycling problem and raise awareness in order to improve the environment of our community. 

Ever since the seventh grade, especially after participating in the Future Scituate Project, Kinsley has been passionate about environmental issues. Kinsley said she believes her current initiative “will benefit our school and community, because it will hopefully get the ball rolling again for new initiatives, raise awareness for the environment, get students involved, and help divert all of the unnecessary waste away from the incinerator and toward its correct place.”

Kinsley is always thinking of new initiatives and ways to make an impact for the greater good in the Town of Scituate. Because Scituate is a coastal town, Kinsley understands the significance of preserving the oceans and the beauty of nature.

Working with the assistant director of Scituate Public School facilities, Bob Dillon, and the head food director of Scituate Public Schools, David Stevens, Kinsley specifically wants to increase and promote recycling in the SHS cafeteria. SHS Principal Dr. Lisa Maguire, SHS science teacher Ralph Perrotto, and SHS paraprofessional Judy Leahy have also been instrumental in starting this program. Kinsley is grateful for their support, stating, “They have all helped in guiding me in the right direction, giving me all of the information I need, and even accompanying me on visits to other schools to see their recycling programs.”

In addition, the Environmental Club and the Art Club at the high school have both contributed by designing boxes and coverings for the recycling bins. 

Kinsley believes “there is a big need to be more environmentally friendly at this school.” Unfortunately, the recycling bins fill up with random items, causing the whole batch of “recycling” to be thrown away with the regular trash. Separating trash and recycling can be annoying to some, but according to Kinsley, “it is a small price to pay” considering the benefits this program will have on our school. 

Starting on Wednesday, January 18th, there will be recycling bins in the cafeteria. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to the program by adding plastic to the bins. Kinsley hopes to promote a successful recycling trend after these bins are placed in the cafeteria.

So, if you see a blue recycling bin when you’re leaving lunch, feel free to add your plastic, and encourage your friends to do so, too!