Environmental Responsibility at Fayerweather: Experiential Learning That Takes Root

There are garden boxes, planters and gardens for herbs, edible fruit, vegetables and pollinators around the building that are designed, built, and cultivated by students coordinated with the Pre-K, K, STEM and maintenance staff. Students develop skills in planning, design, and gardening and in the case of older students, carpentry and landscaping. The latest garden box creation was completed by the UNIT Community Service teams (using 99% repurposed materials).

This fall, an All School Meeting was dedicated to boosting the school’s composting efforts, with the support of the PCA, community service students, and Black Earth Composting. Each classroom takes charge of their compost collection and delivery for weekly pick up by Black Earth Composting. Students were presented with information and guidelines on what “scraps” are compostable and how this effort reduces our impact on trash waste and landfills.

Recycling is a long standing tradition at the school. I recall seeing Fayerweather Street School in 1996, at 74R Fayerweather Street, to substitute for the Music Teacher (Kate Lee began directing the After School Program that year). The front entrance of the school spoke to the school’s commitment to fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. Recycle bins, Earth Day Posters, a dumpster not far away with signs on it reading “trash only”, “no paper”, etc. Each afternoon, everyone in the building brought their recycling to the front porch: boisterous, joyful, and fun. Just a part of the school day. Today, students continue to be responsible for delivering their classroom recyclables to the large recycling totes for weekly pick up by the City of Cambridge. 

The sustainability practices we uphold today are rooted in traditions that go back decades, yet they continue to evolve as our students take increasing ownership of the work. Whether tending a garden bed, sorting classroom recycling, or leading composting initiatives, our students learn firsthand that caring for the environment is both a responsibility and a joy. As Facilities Manager, I’m proud to witness their commitment and inspired by the meaningful ways they help our school reduce its impact while strengthening a culture of stewardship that will serve them, and the world around them, well into the future.