Rhode Island introduced SB104 in January of 2021 stating a requirement for state schools to implement composting programs and to donate any unserved, non-perishable, or otherwise unspoiled food to local food pantries in their lunchrooms. This bill is important because our central landfill in Johnston is set to be at capacity in 2040, and food waste is one of the main contributors to this issue. On average in RI schools, each student will produce 41 pounds of food waste in a school year. Through this bill, schools would ideally conduct waste audits and devise a plan to successfully implement a composting program at their school by 2025.

Unfortunately, three years after the initial introduction of this bill, there have been lackluster results in these efforts due to the state's decision to not provide schools with additional funding to comply with the mandate, and due to school administrator's reluctance to comply. As active members of our high school environmental communities, we have faced many difficulties in the implementation of composting at our schools firsthand. Even then, we have observed the immense potential of the passionate students and staff who have supported our efforts these past few years.

It's been difficult to see this passion beaten down time and time again from being shut down by school officials, but we believe that with proper campaigning, your support on this petition, and coordination with school environmental clubs and their passionate youth, we can send an authentic and powerful message to state legislators in hopes of creating better enforcement and support for this mandate.

Thank you,

Bella Quiroa - The East Bay MET School: Newport, RI

Emma Pautz - Barrington High School: Barrington, RI