Two International Students in London Transform Waste Management at Their School

Mari and Lily took action to improve waste management in their school as participants in the Climate Leaders Fellowship. The online program is offered in a collaboration between the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab and the Rustic Pathways Foundation. It’s an incredible opportunity for students to unite and make a positive impact on the world!

Read Mari and Lily’s impact story below!

Our names are Mari and Lily, and we are sophomores at Southbank International School in London. With a shared passion for Biology and Environmental Science, we decided to address the problem of ineffective waste management and separation within our school community. The existing bin system was inadequate, with minimal recycling and a lack of efficiency. We were determined to bring about change and create a more sustainable environment.

Before taking action, we were appalled by the state of the bins and “recycling” system in place. Different types of bins were scattered randomly throughout the school, leading to confusion and improper use. Non-recyclable items often found their way into recycling bins, defeating the purpose of waste separation.

To tackle this issue, we researched cost-effective and environmentally-friendly waste and recycling bins online. We wanted to find solutions that would streamline waste management and increase recycling rates. After compiling our findings, we presented them to the school administration, hoping they would consider implementing a consolidated waste management system.

Our proposal involved installing centralized waste points on each floor of the school. This approach would provide a more organized and accessible system for students and staff to separate their waste properly. We believed that by making waste separation easier, we could encourage everyone in our school community to take responsibility for their actions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In total, we replaced 37 bins with more efficient waste and recycling stations throughout the school. When we presented our ideas to the teachers, they responded with enthusiasm and encouragement. The impact of our project extended beyond the physical changes we made. It sparked conversations about sustainability and waste management among students and staff, creating a greater sense of environmental consciousness within our school community.

Participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship was a transformative experience for both of us. It provided a platform for us to make a tangible impact on our school community’s sustainability practices. The fellowship empowered us to become advocates for change and further fueled our passion for the environment. We are incredibly proud of the results we achieved and look forward to continuing our work on this project.