Introduction:
Plastic pollution is currently one of the most discussed predicaments that concern the entire world; schools, alongside many others, are big contributors to this challenge. The quantity of plastic products used in schools nowadays has drastically increased the amount of trash produced and then improperly disposed especially in landfills (UNEP, 2023). As a result, the state of Texas has adopted some control methods and regulated ways in which plastics are used and disposed of in educational institutions. This would be targeted to cut the environmental effects of plastic pollution and to cling to the sustainable means of preservation of the planet. Through this policy action educational facilities will be able implicit in the problem of plastic pollution and create a cleaner and more sustainable world.
Regulation of the use of plastics in schools:
For the regulation of plastics in Texas schools, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the one who takes care of the subject (David & Galindo). This regulating body is tasked with inspecting whether the rules and regulations of the Texas Education Agency are being adhered to, which includes regulations for the use of plastics in all school operations. These rules help in the efficient use of plastics by ensuring that these materials are used responsibly and environmentally friendly, thus minimizing their impact on the environment. To complement the TCEQ, the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) also exercises the prerogative to develop laws and rules provided in public schools (David & Galindo). The collaboration between TCEQ and SBOE is aimed at advocating the application of “green” measures that will be implemented in schools and which will, in the end, support the community and contribute to the care of the environment.
Management of plastic consumption and disposal in schools:
School authorities are responsible for addressing the consumption and disposition of plastics within their educational establishments. Nevertheless, the resource TCEQ will be beneficial in providing directions and resources for reducing plastic waste (Sunderland, 2023). TCEQ provides school programs and resources that will give students and staff enough information on the correct way of using and disposing of plastics properly. Moreover, in some schools, the eco-clubs have launched programs and initiatives to encourage students to reduce plastic usage and properly dispose of plastic waste. Complementing TCEQ’s support, these projects address plastic waste management; thus, the schools can have an environmentally friendly place (Sunderland, 2023). Plastic waste management is highly important for schools, as they need to be proactive because they are responsible for the environment students and community live in.
Recycling in schools:
By the regulations of Texas, public school districts should produce a plan on waste management, in which they should focus on regulating. Therefore, such districts should develop an approach for responsible garbage disposal, and the recyclable materials should be separated. Yet not obliged to provide recycling programs for the residents of small Texas school districts; the best practice is to try and adopt this type of environmental protection engagement (Varkey et al., 2021). Such measures may be taken, for example, through student education about recycling, overseeing that separate recycling bins are placed, and cooperation with local organizations for proper recycling materials disposal. The fact that the state has decided to make recycling a key feature in schools is one of many steps towards cutting waste and striving for a greener tomorrow.
Reduction of plastic use in schools:
No state of Texas does not have a policy which ensures schools cut down their plastics, but on the other hand, some schools have the initiative to do so. Above all, the Austin Independent School District has called for banning single-use plastic water bottles from all the schools they run to fight against ever-increasing plastic waste (Dalu et al., 2020). However, like other districts, our school district also has its own rules, which aim to facilitate the use of reusable containers and eating utensils in the cafeteria and, thereby, to choose a more sustainable way of eating and to limit the use of plastics. Although there is a further need to cut down plastic use in the schools around the state, these efforts show part of the way to a more friendly, ecology educational environment for students.
Recent policy changes:
In 2019, The City of Austin adopted a single-use bag ordinance to control plastic waste. This rule prescribes the use of single-use plastic bags in stores and restaurants, aimed at reducing plastic buried in landfills and polluting the environment. Not only commercial entities but also this code of conduct hauls schools. The AISD institute the single-use plastic ban in all its schools (Grissom). This can be seen as a courageous example from the city and the school district as they are determined to create an environmentally sustainable lifestyle for everyone. It can be summarized that single-use plastic bags are banned in Austin as a step that will reduce greenhouse emissions and create a cleaner, greener community with its citizens.
Other notable items:
Furthermore, the schools in TX have incorporated more sustainable acts in their daily operations. This involves building recycling programs and teaching students to practice 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, and recycle). Students will be asked to come to school with reusable water bottles, lunch containers, and bags instead of being provided with plastic bags (Grissom). This not only minimizes the waste the school generates but also allows the students to learn what it means to be environmentally conscious and responsible citizens.
Additionally, some schools in TX have become the leader in these efforts by putting up solar panels and other renewable energy sources on their campuses. This, therefore, ensures that the school contributes to reducing its carbon footprint and offers a learning example for the students. Hence, when they observe these green practices at school, students may adopt them in their personal lives and contribute to the propagation of green culture through their initiative (Grissom). In sum, the schools’ initiatives in TX achieve much more than just protecting the environment: they also get children to appreciate its value and turn them into environmentally conscious adults of the future.
Conclusion:
In summary, enforcing policies and laws in Texas regarding the use of plastics in schools is an ongoing effort. The government has set a statewide wastage management policy for public schools and must implement a recycling program to reduce waste. Additionally, at the local level, efforts like cutting the consumption of plastics and promoting sustainable management practices in schools have been initiated. The fact that students are taught the correct ways of disposing of plastics and that efforts are taken to decrease the plastic’s waste imprint in the environment is key for schools.
References:
UNEP. (2023, April 25). Everything you need to know about plastic pollution. UNEP. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/everything-you-need-know-about-plastic-pollution
David, M., & Galindo, W. (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/permitting/water-quality-standards-implementation/weat-tacwa.pdf
Sunderland, M. (2023, October 24). Let’s Reduce Plastic Waste in Schools. Pilot Island. https://medium.com/pilot-island/lets-reduce-plastic-waste-in-schools-4fd13f61c02b
Varkey, P. S., Walker, T. R., & Saunders, S. J. (2021). Identifying barriers to reducing single-use plastic use in a coastal metropolitan city in Canada. Ocean & Coastal Management, 210, 105663. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569121001472
Dalu, M. T., Cuthbert, R. N., Muhali, H., Chari, L. D., Manyani, A., & Dalu, T. (2020). Is awareness on plastic pollution being raised in schools? Understanding perceptions of primary and secondary school educators. Sustainability, 12(17), 6775. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/17/6775
Grissom, S. (n.d.). THE URBAN TUMBLEWEED: AN ANALYSIS OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAG REGULATIONS AND THE BATTLE OVER LOCAL CONTROL. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://texastechlawreview.org/wp-content/uploads/50-Book-4_Grissom.PUBLISHED.pdf
Rudiyanto, R., Kurniati, E., Fitriani, A. D., Rengganis, I., Mirawati, M., & Justicia, R. (2021, July). Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) waste activities in the school environment for elementary school students. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1987, No. 1, p. 012052). IOP Publishing. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1987/1/012052/meta
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