When it comes to recycling and being good stewards of the environment, The Meridian Public and Lauderdale County school districts have different approaches. 

Even though recycling is not required in either district, schools are finding ways to make it part of the curriculum. 

Matt Davis, the public relations director for the MPSD, said schools don’t have a specific recycling policy in place, but they are open to having recycling bins other recycling activities across the district. Some schools have had Earth Day programs and have collected used items to be recycled, Davis said. 

Clay Sims, the district’s director of operations, said that some schools have collected recycled goods in the past, and noted that the district is open establishing a district-wide policy on recycling. 

“I think it is a great idea,” Sims said.

Andrea Williams, the communications director for the Lauderdale County School District, said that students and staff are finding ways to promote recycling and environmental awareness. For example, students at West Lauderdale High School planted six trees that were donated to the school. 

At Northeast Lauderdale Elementary School, students started an Earth Club and hung up posters promoting environmental awareness.  The club hopes to create a bike trail in the city of Meridian and Lauderdale County.

Fourth graders Kadien Turner and Ananya Mantri created the club after seeing trash on the school’s playground. 

“It’s really nice to see we are making a difference in the world,” Turner said.