Here’s What Midwood Should Do to Fight Climate Change

Recycling isn’t as effective as people think, but there are other ways to create a greener Midwood. *Art: Joyce Ng*

By DALER NAIMOV

Rising water levels, melting ice caps, and increases in forest fires and hurricanes. All of this is because of climate change, one of the most urgent crises facing our planet. Increasingly extreme weather abnormalities and environmental deterioration are inevitable if the world doesn’t make major changes soon. This begs the question, “Are we doing enough in Midwood to protect our planet?”

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Here at the Hornets’ nest, recycling bins are present throughout the hallways near water fountains, and the Gardening Club and other groups have hosted sporadic events such as cleanups. However, these attempts alone will hardly make a dent towards what is needed.

Recycling, for example, is not as effective as many think it to be. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, only 32% of American waste is recycled and most of it is contaminated, rendering it unusable. Recycling is just not enough to have a major impact.

So what could move the needle? One idea is for Midwood to transition to renewable energy by installing solar panels.

It’s true that solar panels come with a high upfront cost. Based on Solar-Estimate.org, they average $12,000 for a 6 kilowatt panel. Based on the square footage of Midwood’s roof, we might be able to host 180-190 panels, costing over $2 million but potentially saving the school hundreds of thousands of dollars on our electricity bill.

Schools that have installed and are utilizing solar power, like the Bronx High School of Science, have decreased their electricity usage, saving money while keeping emissions to a minimum.

Another way Midwood can decrease its carbon footprint is by introducing a composting program. Many students throw away leftover food that ends up in landfills, where bacteria create greenhouse gasses that worsen climate change further.

By instituting a composting program, Midwood could convert food waste into nutrient rich soil for local parks or gardens. Schools like PS 130 have installed composting bins, which typically cost between $50 and $200. This small expense could decrease our waste by up to 30%.

According to a paper by the Cornell Waste Management Institute, Candor Elementary School in North Carolina has diverted approximately 50,000 pounds of food scraps from local landfills.

Lastly, a simple initiative like encouraging greener commuting options, such as biking or carpooling, and setting up bike racks, which average between $300 and $500, or hosting “Bike to School” events, could make a significant difference.

Cities like Portland, Oregon which have implemented similar programs saw a 20% decrease in car drop-offs, according to the National Center for Safe Routes to School. This could also combat traffic jams and promote a healthier lifestyle. “If Midwood had secure bike racks I would bike to school every day,” said Daniel Ghoprial ‘26.

According to the United Nations, global emissions need to decrease by 45% before 2030 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. As the new generation, it is our responsibility to keep our planet clean and sustainable for our children and grandchildren.

Additionally, the United States spent $165 billion on climate related disasters in 2022, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In that light, upgrading our schools should be seen not only as an investment in our planet, but also as a way to save money in the long run.

The bottom line is that Midwood has the resources, space, and student motivation to make a change. By installing solar panels, adding composting programs, and pushing green transportation, we can take the steps needed to fight climate change right here at home.