Introducing a new initiative to reduce plastic waste by switching from single-use plasticware to reusable silverware in the Commons, the Green Team is looking to strengthen the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship and Catholic values.

Partnering with Taste of Excellence, this transition was introduced at the Welcome Back Pep Rally for the 2024-2025 school year. It aims to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste the school produces. As Green Team advisor Mrs. Mary Truax explained, “We hope that by starting with something as simple as our eating utensils, we can eventually eliminate all single-use plastics from our campus.”

“It might seem like a small change, but it’s actually a big deal,” said Nicholas Mitchell, a senior and Green Team member. “By getting rid of the plastic forks and using real silverware, we’re cutting down on a lot of waste. It’s a simple way for us to do something good for the environment, and I think that’s pretty cool.”

Mrs. Tiffany Maglione, the school manager of Taste of Excellence, also highlighted the positive environmental impact of the switch at this early stage as the partnership’s program continues to be refined.

“Before switching to reusable silverware, I would order three cases of plastic forks per week, with each case containing 1,000 forks,” Maglione said. “Now, because we’ve switched to reusable silverware, I am only ordering one case per month.” This shift means a reduction from 12,000 plastic forks per month to only 1,000. This significantly decreases the amount of waste going to landfills from the Commons.

Despite this positive news, the move from plastic to metal has not been without controversy. Some students have expressed concerns about the cleanliness of the new silverware. They suggest that the utensils are not thoroughly washed and might be making them sick. Senior Ryan Reynolds shared, “We do not need metal silverware; it’s disgusting and not clean. I saw someone’s lunch on my spoon the other day!”

Mrs. Maglione addressed these concerns directly, detailing the cleaning process to assure students of the safety of the new silverware in the Commons. “The utensils undergo a rigorous multi-step procedure,” she explained. “They are washed, sanitized, and rinsed two to three times in 150–200-degree water using commercial-grade dishwasher detergent. This process is the same as that used in any quality restaurant, and the health department regularly inspects our equipment without issue.”

Marley Draft, a sophomore, praised the initiative, stating, “It is better for the environment, and if they clean it thoroughly, it’s a smart choice. I believe it may inspire people to want to do the right thing.”

The Green Team’s program is guided by the principles outlined in Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’s encyclical that calls for action to care for “our common home.” The Pope stresses our moral responsibility to protect the environment and promote sustainable living. This initiative shows these values by encouraging students to make more conscious choices in their daily lives.

“Even though the change has sparked debate,” Mrs. Traux shares that “we believe it’s a step forward in caring for God’s creation. We’re trying to inspire students to make choices that reflect our shared responsibility for the environment.”

As the school continues its efforts to become more ecologically conscious, the Green Team’s new program offers a challenge to the student body: consider the impact of your daily habits. Will you take an extra moment to use and return the silverware in the Commons if it helps your planet?

Mrs. Truax put it succinctly: “It’s easy to use the silverware and good for the planet. Besides, I wonder how many people would like to go to a five-star restaurant and use plastic silverware.”