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During the meeting, club members shared the results from a food waste audit they recently conducted in the High School’s cafeteria. The goal of the audit, which was conducted over a period of five days during breakfast and lunch, was to collect data and information to help identify current waste practices and ways they could be improved. 

To carry out the audit, the club members set up four sorting bins: one each for compostable materials, recyclables, waste, and trays. The students monitored the sorting stations during meal periods, weighing the waste and recording the results on a spreadsheet. 

The club calculated that, on average, the High School produced 54 pounds of food waste a day, which translated to 270 pounds per week and approximately 10,805 pounds per year. The club also determined that during a school year, nearly 11,000 pounds of the school cafeteria’s waste could be composted rather than “carted.”

The Environmental Club members made several recommendations that they would like to see implemented throughout the District. The recommendations included replacing disposable trays, cutlery, and dishware with reusable ones; implementing a composting program; reinstating a District-wide recycling program; and incorporating locally sourced food items into school menus (which the students believed would help reduce waste).

The club’s advisor, RVHS Greenhouse technician Kate McPeek, worked with the club members to help guide their action plan. The club members, said McPeek, are taking an active role in their future. “They see and understand the bigger picture,” she said. “They are not just talking about the change, they are making the change and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Following the presentation, the members of the Board applauded and asked how they could support the Environmental Club’s efforts.

Anyone wishing for more information on the club’s work should contact kmcpeek@rondout.k12.ny.us.