As a high school student in Gwinnett County, Georgia, I’ve realized how much waste we produce on a daily basis. Ever since elementary school, I’ve been taught the importance of recycling and protecting the environment, but over time, I’ve become more aware of how our schools may be contributing tons of waste every day.According to the World Wildlife Fund, the United States contributes over 530,000 TONS of food waste annually. During lunch, many students throw away perfectly good sides or unopened food. Cardboard trays, plastic utensils, leftover food, and other items are often tossed into a single bin. Some may not see this as an issue, but as more waste piles up in landfills, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions increase. Incinerators release harmful gases into the air, and microplastics end up in the soil where we grow our food. It feels contradictory that while schools teach us about protecting the environment, we don’t have the systems in place to practice those lessons. To make a difference, I propose McClure Health science high school could include: Separate bins for cardboard, plastics, and food waste and the use of reusable trays instead of our disposable ones. Starting small can create a big impact. If we begin this effort here in McClure, we could even inspire our district.As a student, I simply want to raise awareness and encourage our schools to lead by example in protecting our planet for future generations.