Students at school are starting to notice something different in the vending machines. The usual plastic bottles are gone, and now there are drinks in recyclable or reusable containers. Dr. Rebecca Shaw, STEAM Chairperson, helped make this change to reduce plastic waste by lessening ILS’s carbon footprint.

Dr. Shaw said the main goal is to cut down on single-use plastics and get people to think more about what they’re using.

“We’re just going to be using containers over and over again. It’s great that now in the vending machines we are using something that can be recyclable,” she explained.

Dr. Shaw said she hasn’t heard any complaints yet, and thinks it would be good to ask students what they think. She also said the school could check with the vending company to see if students are buying less or just using their own drinks more.

Some students think the change is a good idea.

“I think it’s good that the school is doing this. Even if it’s small, it helps the planet,” said junior Maximo Biasutto.

Others are still getting used to it.

“It’s kinda weird not seeing the regular plastic bottles anymore, but I get it. Everyone’s trying to use less plastic now,” said sophomore Marcelo Lopez.

Some students said it doesn’t really affect them since they already bring reusable bottles to school.

“I always bring my own water bottle anyway, but it’s cool that the school is trying to make changes like this,” said junior Martina Hoyos.

This change might seem small, but it’s one more step toward helping the planet. Even if it’s just replacing plastic bottles, it shows that the school wants to be more eco-friendly and get students thinking about waste. In the future, Dr. Shaw hopes to keep reducing plastic around campus and maybe inspire other schools in the area to do the same.