ASB Recycling Program Facilitates Campus Improvement

DENISE TIEU
Staff Writer

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. On average, there is at most 80 percent of waste that can be recycled on high school grounds. With the help of a black bin located in every classroom, environmental awareness will be promoted by collecting and recycling the empty bottles scattered throughout AHS. The bins are a part of the new recycling program created by the Associated Student Body (ASB) to bring about student and teacher participation in environmental causes.
“[Students should contribute] because they attend the school. [I]n order to improve their learning environment, they need to put in the effort and contribute to make a change,” Director of Campus Environment Cindy Ta said.
The recycling program only accepts empty cans and bottles, which are collected during fourth period every Friday by Abelardo Bourbois’ freshmen leadership class.
“I think [the recycling program] would work pretty well in conjunction [with the Environmental Resource Awareness Club] and the teachers that already recycle,” sophomore Eddie Chang said.
Most of the profits earned through the program will go to the ASB account, which funds school activities and sports competitions. Because Speech and Debate adviser Kevin Tong was historically the first teacher to set the precedent of recycling at AHS, the remaining 40 percent of the proceeds will go to the Speech and Debate organization on campus.
“Everybody should be more cognizant of recycling, to save the world for future generations. Everything from bottles [to] cardboard should be recycled,” Tong said.
The recycling program will benefit AHS, simultaneously improving the condition of the environment and school grounds.
“Ultimately, our goal is not for the profit, but to help the environment. However, by recycling the cans and bottles, we are able to gain a bonus in [accumulating] more money for the school,” Ta said.