We are living in the middle of a climate crisis, and it is our responsibility to do everything we can to slow this environmental disaster. As an alumnus of East Brunswick Tech, I was constantly disturbed by the amount of styrofoam used in the school cafeteria. The detrimental effects of styrofoam on our planet (between the manufacturing process and the lack of biodegradability) are significant and well established. Despite EB Tech priding itself in its label as a “Green School,” hundreds of these trays are used every day to serve students breakfast and lunch. It is extremely important that EB Tech moves forward and is able to replace these trays with something more environmentally sustainable. 

Styrofoam is illegal in Washington, D.C. It’s banned in New York City. Seattle. Miami. San Diego. Even within New Jersey, it’s banned in a number of townships and counties, including Hoboken and Jersey City. 

It’s past time we followed the trend of our nation’s capitol and leading cities and took further measures in our schools. East Brunswick can do better. The goal of a vocational high school is to prepare a new generation to go out into the world. Let’s do out part to make sure there’s a world for students to go out into.