Oxford High School is labeled as a ‘green school,? but due to recent budget issues, the school seems to becoming a shade less green.
Since the beginning of the year, the recycling of plastic bottles has been a well discussed topic by administrators and the community. With an increase in cost, the school has decided to drop the recycling of plastic as a whole.
‘Last year, for the entire district, it cost the district about $1,400 to recycle plastic. This year, they said if we wanted to continue recycling bottles, it would be about $5,000,? said Laurie Lavins, advisor of the Environmental Club.
Just when the situation seemed too much, and students were creating mountains of Gatorade bottles in classrooms, two students stepped up help save the day.
Olivia Eckola and Allison Miller are both seniors, and a part of Oxford’s DECA program. They hand crafted an idea that would be the solution to the recycling dilemma.
‘As a student that is a part of DECA, we are trying to promote eco-friendly initiatives within Oxford High School,? said Eckola.
These two found Griffin Disposal, who said they would take care of the recyclables for $25 per pick-up.
‘We were fortunate enough to find this company, and now we can hopefully act to make recycling a larger deal within the school,? said Allison Miller.
Many students are supporting the importance of recycling and are taking the initiative to make a difference already.
‘Sometimes, if I see paper or bottles around the school, I take them home in order to recycle them,? said sophomore Tia Gilles.
The duo from DECA is looking for donations in order to keep this eco-friendly cause alive.
They are even holding a recycling competition throughout part of December in order to bring awareness, and collect as many bottles as they can.
‘The journalism class has already donated $100 to this cause, and that should cover four pickups,? said journalism teacher Brian Edwards.
Those who would like to help out in any way through donations or contacts are asked to please contact Laurie Lavins at Laurie.Lavins@oxfordschools.org