CAPA-MC Growing & Giving Club (G&G) is a youth-led initiative associated with the Chinese American Parent Association of Montgomery County (CAPA-MC). This club was formed by middle and high school students in Maryland's Montgomery County Public School System (MCPS.) These students are passionate about healthy living and environmental protection.
Plastic Pollution is a Big Problem!
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the average United States citizen generates around 487 pounds of plastic waste each year. Since plastic bags and films are not typically included in Maryland’s recycling system they contribute significantly to this problem.
Nowadays, microplastics are everywhere: in the ocean, in local watersheds, in sea creatures, and even in the human body. Many students are concerned about this issue and seeking positive change.
Be a Zero Hero Project
When in 10th grade, Kenneth Shue initiated this project in January 2023. Many G&G club members have joined the Zero Hero plastic recycling team. The team aims to reduce plastic film waste and keep it out of the Chesapeake watershed. The project has three main components:
1. Educating the community about plastic pollution and appropriate recycling
2. Taking action to collect plastic film
3. Advocating for systemic change
Kenneth has led the team to design many promotional materials for educational purposes. The materials show the public what types of plastic bags and films can be recycled, that include grocery bags, bread bags, plastic wrapping around paper towels and toilet paper, dry cleaning bags, plastic shipping envelopes, bubble wrap, and air pillows used in packaging, etc. So far, students have hosted over 50 outreach events and reached over 7,000 people in the community. They have distributed the student-designed promotional materials and family recycling kits to the public at the events, and given workshops on how to recycle plastic films.
Where to Drop Off Plastic Film
It's important to note that these items typically can't go in curbside recycling bins. Instead, they should be taken to specific collection points. The Zero Hero team has identified the following drop-off locations for plastic film recycling: Giant, Food Lion, Kohl's, Safeway™, Harris Teeter, and Goodwill.
In addition to these commercial locations, the club has set up over 20 plastic film recycling bins in the MCPS central office building, CCACC community centers, some senior centers, local Manna food banks, and Chinese language schools. Each recycling location has one or two student recycling ambassadors to manage the bins.
A recent piece of good news is that the Montgomery Recycling Center (16105 Frederick Road, Derwood, MD 20855) has started accepting recyclable plastic bags and films. The public can now drop off their recycled plastic there.
Since January 2023, the team and many student volunteers have collected over 2,000 pounds of plastic bags and films. The plastic is donated to NexTrex, a manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking and outdoor living products. NexTrex has recycling locations all over the country; a full list can be found on its website at https://nextrex.com/view/findadropoff. In recognition of the Be a Zero Hero team’s efforts, the club received two benches made of recycled plastic from NexTrex.
Recognizing that individual efforts have limits, the zero hero team pursues advocacy to amplify their impact and drive systemic change through policymaking, enabling greater progress against plastic pollution. In September 2024, three of our team leaders testified before the MCPS Board of Education to propose the implementation of the "Be a Zero Hero" program in all MCPS schools. Additionally, in January 2025, they testified in front of the Montgomery County Council in support of the "Bring Your Own Bag" bill, which aims to ban single-use plastic bags in commercial stores and promote the use of paper bags with a small tax, with proceeds funding environmental protection initiatives.
Students are Learning Valuable Leadership Skills
Students are engaged! Over 100 volunteers, primarily middle and high school students from MCPS, have participated in the project. This has provided valuable leadership and environmental stewardship opportunities for young people.
In Maryland, students must complete 75 SSL hours to graduate. But students are encouraged to earn more. This can benefit them in various ways, including scholarship opportunities and personal growth.
Join in the Plastic Recycling Effort
This project demonstrates how youth-led initiatives can make a significant impact on environmental issues in their local community. Any middle or high school student in MCPS is welcome to join the club. The "Be a Zero Hero" team is expanding the program to bring system-wide recycling to MCPS. The adult mentor of the project and MCPS provides SSL recognition to the volunteer students.
A special thanks goes to the project sponsors, the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. Also, to the president of MCPS Board of Education, Ms. Julie Yang, and the MCPS Sustainability and Compliance Department Recycling Manager, Mr. John Meyer, for their encouragement, strong support, and guidance.
Making an Impact
The club's goal is to "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" plastic so as to protect our beautiful watershed and promote healthier living.
By combining education, action, and advocacy, the "Be a Zero Hero" project has made a tangible impact on reducing plastic waste and raising environmental awareness in Montgomery County.
For more information on recycling, or if you're a middle or high school student in schools within Montgomery County interested in joining their cause, contact the students at TheZeroHeroTeam@gmail.com.
Be a Zero Hero's aim is to reduce plastic waste and protect the Chesapeake watershed.