Polytechnic School Conducts Trash Audit

As part of Poly’s commitment to sustainability, Middle and Upper School student, faculty, and staff volunteers teamed up in December for a campus-wide lunch trash “audit.” Volunteers helped students sort their lunches into three separate bins: compost, recycling, and trash. The goal of this event was to gather information about how much and what types of lunch waste we generate on a daily basis and to learn about opportunities for improving sustainability practices at Poly. The audit was performed under the guidance of Waste Less Living, a Pasadena-based organization that helps schools and businesses reduce their environmental impact.

On the following day, data collected was presented to volunteers and several administrative personnel. What did we find out? Student lunches generated 190 pounds of waste campus-wide. Of this total, 71% was made up of organics (material that could be composted), 16% was recyclable, and 13% was actual trash. Students were able to engage in a lively discussion about ways the entire Poly community can be better stewards of our planet through waste reducing practices at school. Faculty, student, and staff volunteers will continue the conversation about potential next steps to help Poly reduce its environmental impact.

Polytechnic School, 1030 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 396-6300 or visit www.polytechnic.org.