Throughout the 2016 school year NMSA students have collected the school’s paper, metal, plastic, and cardboard to be taken to be recycled. Student efforts have led to an average of 150 pounds of garbage kept out of the landfill every week. Partnering with SWALCO, NMSA is working on becoming an Earth Flag school dedicated to practicing responsible environmental behaviors. A handful of students took initiative and got the program running. Alex Arteaga, DeAndre Anderson, Alannie Bolorin, Jakaria Coston, Sonia Dubose, Carlos Gomez, Linda Pitts, and Iyunniey Reed found resources, developed a plan to collect the school’s recyclable materials, made presentations to different classes, and currently run the program.
When asked about the experience Carlos said, “Even though at times it was difficult to empty out the recycling boxes because of testing and other things we still managed to fit some time to help with emptying out the boxes. Recycling is very adequate and fun overall. Many people helped with this program and you make new friends within the grade levels as well.” According to Steven Uribe “I like the program because I get to help out and it helps us recycle things so we can reuse them. The main thing I liked was getting to recycle and meeting new kids from different grade levels and helping other teachers from 6th and 7th grade.”