As the mixed 7th and 8th graders filed quietly into the cafeteria for a “surprise” presentation, they looked a bit sleepy. Tori Manley noticed and began the presentation by first asking everyone to stand and do a few stretches and exercises to sharpen the students’ attention.

Six teachers, one classroom aide, and 44 students all gazed at the four large screens on the cafeteria wall as Phil Cruz began the Waste and Recycling in Guam presentation with a short video and visuals. He then explained the meaning of sustainability and “Talked Trash” explaining that out of 137 places in the world, Guam ranked 7th in waste production per capita. “We are in the top ten for producing garbage. Do we need to work on this?” he asked. The students all agreed that work was needed.

The students watched with interest as Cruz outlined examples of how to generate less trash and recycle. They were surprised to find out they have an “irecycle” container at their school, where the school can earn money from the aluminum soda cans collected. He also explained how to tell the difference between a steel can and an aluminum one: just squeeze it!

When asked for several volunteers to assist, four young men came to the front of the room and were instructed to wrap one person in a long plastic rope. Manley explained a few details about the history of plastic and how it can endanger sea life that swallow plastic bags mistaking them for jellyfish or get tangled in plastic debris. Then the rope was stretched out to its full length and students were asked to guess how many plastic bags were used to make it. The volunteers were rewarded with reusable shopping bags for their efforts.

All too soon it was time to walk from the cafeteria to the gym to introduce EV. The students were animated and full of questions about electric cars and how they work.

Chelo Paulino, the summer school coordinator, took time to thank the CIS team for their presentations and gave each member a certificate of appreciation to rousing applause from the students. When asked if they had learned anything from what was shared that day, the students mentioned animals dying from plastic in the ocean, and that they had an irecycle bin at the school. The big hits of the presentation were the plastic rope interactive activity and EV!

Inspiring young people to make a difference in the lives of sea creatures and the environment is one part of the important work of CIS.