Way to Go! Oyster Bay student helps reduce landfill-bound electronic waste
Senior Joan Olivero created a program that strives to reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills. Credit: Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District
An Oyster Bay High School student has been helping to reduce the amount of electronic waste that winds up in landfills.
Joan Olivero, a senior, has created a program that educates people about electronic waste — also known as e-waste — and collects such items as cables, cords and wires. She estimates having recycled more than 700 pounds of e-waste since the summer.
The program, called Cord Clutter Connection, was launched as part of a project for her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA. Olivero is a member of Troop 122.
"My main goal was to bring more education as to what e-waste actually is and why it's so imperative that we recycle it," said Olivero, 17. "The improper disposal is poisoning the planet."
To collect the e-waste, Olivero said she set up recycling bins at the Oyster Bay Farmers Market, Oyster Bay High School and the Town of Oyster Bay's Town Hall North and Town Hall South. She then sent the items to Electronic Recyclers International, which recycles electronic waste.
Olivero is also president of her school’s Social Studies Honor Society and treasurer of Mathletes, Environmental Club, International Club and the Class of 2022; she is a member of the Yearbook Club, Birthday Wishes Club, and National, English, Foreign Language, Math and Science honor societies.
— MICHAEL R. EBERT
Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.
