Be Part of the Solution, Not the Pollution

Supervisors and students weigh in on the ongoing litter problem, highlighting key areas of concern and potential solutions to make a lasting change for future Rangers to come.

By: Liah Rodriguez and Emma Largoza

Littering on campus has become an increasing concern for staff and students, especially after breakfast and lunch. Campus supervisors are witnessing the effects firsthand and believe that a collective effort from students is the key to solving the problem.

Campus Supervisor William Cifuvntz
Photo L.Rodriguez/Gigantea

William Cifuvntz, a campus supervisor, pointed out a recurring issue: “I see the plastic wrapper on straws for the juice boxes. I find them everywhere because the wind blows them all over campus.”

Supervisor Marty Silvas emphasized that solving the littering issue starts with students taking responsibility. “I think it would come from the students, whoever is leaving it is them changing their habits. It’s not that hard to just throw something in the trash can,” Silvas said. “The students can help by pitching in, and helping to keep our whole campus clean.”

Campus Supervisor Lea Padilla
Photo L.Rodriguez/Gigantea

One suggestion to improve the situation comes from Lea Padilla, another campus supervisor, who believes accessibility and engagement could help. “We need a little bit more trash cans, which are kind of spread throughout everywhere,” she explained. Padilla proposed a creative way to encourage students to participate: “They should get a trash can, sponsor the trash can, and paint it—also decorate it. Maybe that would get students more involved and, hey, have fun at the same time.”

However, littering isn’t just limited to outdoor spaces. “Oh gosh, the bathrooms are really bad. I see paper towels and toilet paper in the stalls,” Padilla said. “I also see gum wrappers in the shapes of hearts, which is kind of cute.”

Gabriel Gomez, ’25
Photo E.Largoza/Gigantea

Students also shared their thoughts on the issue. Gabriel Gomez, ‘25, agreed that littering is a problem. “I think it’s pretty bad. Personally, I would say to teach students how to throw trash away or encourage them,” Gomez said. “Making the teachers make it look fun” could be a way to improve habits according to Gomez.

Max Maryanow, ‘28, felt the littering problem wasn’t as widespread as others claimed. “I don’t think it’s too much of a problem. I don’t see that much trash around,” he said. However, he acknowledged that more trash cans and student encouragement could help. “Community service. You can have some students who would be willing to pick up trash,” Maryanow suggested.

Ava Giannini, ’26
Photo E.Largoza/Gigantea

Ava Giannini, ‘26, had a slightly different perspective, noting that the biggest issue might be outside campus. “I don’t think it’s that bad. I think it’s more on the river/canal thing,” she said. However, she suggested that consequences might help: “Maybe enforce a punishment.”

While Redwood members continue to brainstorm solutions to the littering problem at school, a campus supervisor also shares his input on the issue.

Virgil Madruga, a campus supervisor, shares his input by saying, “I think that [the littering] starts off every year, not quite as bad and it just slowly gets worse and worse.” Like every high school, Redwood goes through changes throughout the year. From busy to not, littering can be maintained throughout the year.

As the school community looks for ways to combat littering, the common theme among both staff and students is that change starts with small actions. Whether it’s placing more trash cans around campus, making cleanup efforts more engaging, or simply holding each other accountable, everyone plays a role in keeping the school clean.

If students can be aware of their impact on the school environment as well as the staff members and their hard work, Redwood can improve the littering problem for future students.

Madruga also said, “I know our campus supervisors and our APs (Assistant Principals) are on top of the kids, but they can’t be everywhere.”