Keeping It Clean

When given the opportunity to do a community service project, the Robert Moses Middle School Environmental-Recycling Club in North Babylon opted to stay close to home. The club members decided to walk from the school through the local neighborhood and around Belmont Lake State Park collecting litter. Twenty-two club members set out after school to help the environment by picking up plastic bags, bottles, cans, cigarettes, and other debris that is dangerous to the soil and animal life. When asked their thoughts about the project, club member, Peyton said, “At the lake I noticed how many ducks and other wildlife were there. We collected so much trash that they could have eaten and gotten very sick from.” John added, “I was surprised by how dirty the area near our school could get. More people need to help out.

“Their passion for the environment stretches far beyond an afternoon clean up. Each day the students collect and sort cans, bottles, and paper waste produced by the school and transport it to local recycling centers. Their efforts help reduce the amount of trash that would otherwise end up in landfills. “I feel so proud that we made a difference in our world,” noted Mackenzie.