High schoolers teach about benefits of recycling

A group of high school students from the Ponte Vedra High School Beaches Go Green Club (PVHS BGG) are aiming to educate younger generations about the 4Rs (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle) and the dangers of single-use plastic and how it is impacting the planet.
A small group of PVHS BGG members presented information to more than 100 students and staff at Ocean Palms Elementary School (OPE) for their first ever educational presentation. The focus was on the 4Rs as well as education about single-use plastic, microplastics and plastic pollution. The high schoolers spoke about how single-use plastic consumption was impacting the planet, particularly the oceans, and gave easy suggestions for improving the students' own habits. The high schoolers had a short skit and a powerpoint presentation, played interactive games, and offered an opportunity for the elementary students to share experiences and to ask questions. Maximus Moquin, a junior at PVHS and co-president of the PVHS Beaches Go Green Club, said "Our group was really excited to have the chance to speak to these younger students and impact their thinking about single-use plastic. Plastic pollution is an issue that needs to be taken seriously."
After the presentation, OPE Principal Tiffany Cantwell told the high schoolers that their presentation was the beginning of an inspirational program at OPE where the fifth grade leaders will present the eco-friendly lessons to lower grades at the school during this school year.
"The students seemed to be genuinely interested in learning better habits to make the world a better place," said Palmer Dunn, a junior at PVHS and an officer of the BGG Club. "Our team can't wait to develop our next presentation and come back to speak to these kids again in the spring."
Another group of PVHS Beaches Go Green Club students will be presenting to Ponte Vedra Rawlings Elementary School fifth graders next week to continue to create awareness and engage younger generations.
Izzy Mignone, a PVHS senior and co-vice president of the club, said, "We are honored to help grow the future environmental leaders of Ponte Vedra and the world. The problem of single-use plastic pollution will affect us the most and we need to make sure that kids are raised with the idea that treating the environment right is fundamental. If we plant the ideas in their minds at a young age, we can help to develop their sustainable habits for the future."
Beaches Go Green, a non-profit based out of Jacksonville Beach, aims to spread awareness and education about waste and how it affects the environment, particularly the consumption of single use plastic. BGG’s vision is that through awareness and education, people will make small “green” changes in their lives that add up to big things.
If you are interested in getting involved or supporting BGG's education programs, visit www.beachesgogreen.org.