"If not now, then when? If not us, then who?" implored sixth grader Madelyn Kinsley of her peers and teachers as she delivered a persuasive speech on the topic of “The Problems with Recycling” to members of the Middle School community. “We cannot push the problem of single-use plastic into the future. It has to be dealt with now.”
After delivering her speech, Madelyn continued to advocate for reusable drinking bottles at the doors to the cafeteria.
"Mrs. Rosolen knows it's the right thing to do and the letter she sent to families is a step in the right direction,” she said, referring to the letter Head of Middle School Mrs. Rosolen sent home last Friday to launch an Earth Day initiative.
"I had the opportunity to attend a Grade 6 science class yesterday, and as part of their water unit, students were calculating their water footprint at the household and personal levels. After determining these totals, they expressed shock, amazement and curiosity. The ensuing conversation had them reflecting on the category (indoor, outdoor or virtual) that used the most water, the results that surprised them, and what changes they could make to decrease their water footprint,” wrote Mrs. Rosolen.
In honor of Earth Day 2021, Restore Our Earth, the Middle School took on the challenge to do its part to cut our single-use plastic consumption. On average, the Middle School uses about 100 bottles per lunch seating, which translates to 400 bottles per week and 1600 bottles a month. Mrs. Rosolen challenged students to use a reusable water bottle for the entire week instead.
“We have an opportunity to make an impact and difference, and to be leaders at school in this effort,” Mrs. Rosolen encouraged the students.
"I'm ready to get to work and everyone else should be as well,” said Madelyn. “This is not just going to go away because we can’t or won’t solve it."
New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9 living in Westchester and Fairfield counties. Graduates excel at top day, boarding and public secondary schools and go on to lead lives of impact and purpose. For more information, please visit countryschool.net.