When it started, the young activist club at Piney Branch Elementary was not very big. But their mission was huge; to replace the styrofoam (or polystyrene) trays in the lunch room. It may seem a small goal, yes, but for these determined students, it will be one of the biggest hurdles they will jump. #6 plastic is obviously bad for the earth, but why? Because it is a neurotoxin, suspected human carcinogen, and made from fossil fuels,that's why. That is one very good reason not to have them exposed to children, or anyone, for that matter. According to the Y.A.C. website, these trays cost the school thousands a year. The club has calculated that if 6 cases of these trays are used a week, the County spends $3,497 to supply Piney Branch with trays, and it doesn't end there folks! The County spends another $1,522 to pay for plastic utensils. That, my friends is a waste of money. But, fear not! There are alternative products! Washable ware and compostable products such as paper trays or corn-based cutlery are two of the more environmentally conscious products that really any school can use. The Y.A.C. would like to run a pilot project with washable wear. They have raised enough money to conduct the project for a year. It will cost the County nothing, and all of the following support them:
Maryland State Senator Jamie Raskin
Delegate Heather Mizeurformer County Council member Duchy Trachtenberg
Delegate Sheila Hixson
Delegate Tom Hucker
County Council member Roger Berliner
County Council member Marc Elrich
County Council member Valerie Ervin
County Council member George Leventhal
County Council member Nancy Navarro
Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams
look at all the styrofoam! This is a typical day's trash at PBES.
One would think that the project would commence already. One would be wrong.
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| My friend Anna dressing up as styrofoam. VERY scary. |
On the 4th of July, 2010, the club handed out decorated styrofoam trays with messages such as "no styro." The aim of this was to wave them at the board of education, and hopefully, when the board of ed. saw how many people had these, they would loosen their grip on their undesirable decision, and lean towards the favorable. I happen to know for a fact that at the parade, none of the board of ed. would take the trays. The board is leaning no closer to yes, but their grip may have softened on no. Keep up the great work, Y.A.C.! For more information, please go to: http://sites.google.com/site/youngactivistclub/
