From 40% to 100%: Success for Terrell Carter

Terrell Carter at the Lopez School desired to make a difference at his school- something that would enable the school to become more energy efficient and yet would be achievable.

He first came up with the idea of replacing the school's paper with recycled paper in August of 2006, and brought up the idea with the superintendent of Lopez School. Though school officials seemed hesitant about the chance of success, they readily agreed to his idea and encouraged him to do some research.

Terrell started researching different paper suppliers from all over the country, comparing costs. "Don't be afraid to make phone calls," he advises, "Just put yourself out there." He explored various aspects of each brand of paper, including the brightness and printer quality.

In May of 2007, the switch to 40% PCW paper was complete. However, Terrell was still not satisfied- he wanted 100%.

He presented his results to the school board and staff. "They were supportive," he states. The Lopez K-12 School is a small school with only 250 students in all. Terrell points to the size of the school as a major factor to his success. With a class of only 26 students, he was able to have easier access and better interactions with school officials, such as the financing agent and purchasing manager.

In fact, Terrell chose staff members to be his main target in reducing paper usage. He taught them tips on how to use less, such as printing text on both sides of a paper instead of only the front. "Faculty and the office use the most paper," he explained, when asked why he concentrated his paper-reducing efforts primarily on staff. However, he also tried to educate students by placing flyers around the school.

As the he became more involved, Terrell decided to make his activism into his senior project, a project that all seniors at his school are required to do.

Through more research and hard work, Terrell found a type of 100% recycled paper that satisfied all the requirements. This final change came about early spring of this year.

"It was a long process," he admits, but the results can be seen. At the end of the year, he will present his senior project to the school. Hopefully, all students can learn something from his passionate, environmentally-driven efforts.

Terrell advises other students who may want to undertake similar projects, "Gently push- but don't be a nuisance. Be firm, but know the reasons why you are doing what you are doing."

"It was nice to have outside support, like Conscious Lifestyle," he says. His number one advice? "Don't give up!" It is true. His project lasted two years; at times he was not sure it would be able to succeed. However, he kept at it, and now as a senior he leaves a legacy at Lopez School.

The picture is from Union.edu