11/6 Quarter Reflection

1. Throughout my blog posts I’ve looked at different issues such as Obama’s environmental accomplishes, endangered animals, and alternative energy sources. The blogs have helped me learn more about the environment on a global scale, instead of just what’s going on at Deering.

2. My main personal project was the composting/ recycling bins in the cafeteria. I went to Cape Elizabeth with Hannah and we talked to their janitor and vice principal. I measured the stations at Cape and Deering and put a slide show together based on this information. Then we went to the meeting to Mr. Kehoe and presented the slide show.

3. I emailed Mr. Kehoe a few times about the composting bins and about the slideshow. I emailed Mr. Waltz, Doug Sherwood, Ms. Jepson, Mr. Moses, Ms. Adam, and Mr. Pineda introducing us as interns. Also, I have sent several other emails with them planning meetings and asking questions.

4. In October I canvassed for the Waterfront Ordinance with the other interns. I think that was a perfect way to do something in the community. For about the first two months I monitored the composting stations everyday (except Tuesdays) in the cafeteria with Molly.

5. The meetings have been a good time to catch up, stay focused, and come together to see what we’ve accomplished in the past week and what we need to accomplish the following week.

6. I think it always bothered me when I saw someone litter or throw a redeemable can in the trash, but this year I’ve realized that it’s reached a whole other level. In the cafeteria while composting at first I was very hesitant to tell anyone where to put things. Usually, I would wait until they dumped everything in the trash and then dig through it myself. Now I’m not afraid to tell them where everything goes. I think this internship has already helped me be more assertive. A couple days ago I saw a recycling sign on a trash can and got kind of frustrated and went up and switched it. I think monitoring the stations made recycling, redeeming, and composting automatic.

7. I would really like to see the composting/ recycling bin be a success. I also hope the egg project get the students a little more motivated to compost. I think it would be great to leave Deering with the compost bins set up and the students using them properly. Also, Garbage to Garden emailed me asking if we wanted to take a picture with the shirts they gave us on and then they could possibly promote us on their social media page!