Campaign History

It is estimated over 90% of NYC K-12 schools aren’t recycling. Considering there are 1.1 million students in NYC K-12 schools, an incredible amount of recyclable materials are getting trashed. Just try to imagine all the paper, cardboard, milk cartons, and beverage containers NYC’s 1,200 schools (and approximately 900 additional privately run secular and religious schools) that could be diverted from the waste stream during the school year.

The Be Cool. Recycle at School! program began with creation of the NYC School Recycling Action Group. Two NYC teachers, Micki Josi and Coquille Houshour, founded the Group in response to this on-going crisis. The Group brings together NYC educators, parents, and members of the community who want to do something about the lack of recycling in NYC schools.

We are dedicated to making NYC school recycling work, and we think we can help. We have experienced the obstacles in creating successful recycling programs firsthand, and we have ideas on how to overcome them. We also find it important to share ideas about how to start and coordinate successful programs, including the development of related curriculum.

Collectively, we feel responsible for educating children to follow NYC law, and understand their civic and environmental responsibilities. Educating children—and adults—about what, how, and why we recycle has long-term benefits for NYC and the world. Knowledge about recycling helps people understand the importance of reducing consumption and keeping recyclable materials out of the invisible waste stream. By recycling materials properly in both the classroom and the cafeteria, school communities becomes accustomed to viewing recycling as a normal way of handling discarded materials in any setting, including home.