VENTURA : Environmental Club Wins State Award

A group of environmental-minded students at St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura has won state honors for its efforts to reduce waste at the school.

The Environmental Club was named the 1993 winner in the Waste Reduction Awards Program, presented by the California Integrated Waste Management Board.

Since the club began three years ago, students have set up a classroom paper recycling program, which diverts two tons per year from the area landfill. They also provide collection boxes to recycle aluminum cans and are setting up a composting bin.

“If you don’t recycle stuff, it just goes to the landfill and it’s not good for the environment,” said Kim Carson, a senior from Santa Paula who is the club’s secretary this year. “Recycling is like second-nature to me now. I just can’t throw things away; I have to find a recycling bin.”

The club began in 1991 with nine members and has grown to 61 members, a large club for the small private school, said Brandon Roth, an English teacher who serves as club adviser.

The students received a plaque from the state’s top waste board.

“We’re excited about this award because it shows what can be done with a lot of enthusiasm and ideas and very little expense,” Roth said. “We’re hoping the recognition encourages other kids at other schools to get involved.”

He said diverting the paper and other products from the landfill is an excellent way to help the environment. But more important, he said, is the education the students get about the need for recycling.

“This makes an impression on them that they will carry with them when they leave the school,” he said. “Think about all the stuff that they will recycle over the years. Today’s youth will carry it on.”

Ventura Councilman Gary Tuttle, who was a speaker at the ceremony when the students launched the program three years ago, praised the students for their work.

“I’m encouraged to see environmental principles picked up by youth today, who will, of course, be tomorrow’s leaders,” he said.