Palmetto, a popular name, well known by the communities surrounding, are especially popular for the left over chicken bones that have been strewn on the stairs and walkways. But has anyone noticed what held the chicken? Plastic boxes keep the greasy, fried chicken contained and definitely qualify as environmentally unfriendly. A small group of Miami schools use round trays with five cut outs; Plain looking, just like any other school cafeteria tray. However, instead of being made out of petroleum byproduct, the material consists mainly of sugarcane. Schools across the nation have banded together to fight for environmentally friendly plates.

“I support the sugarcane trays because if we keep buying cheap materials then it will hurt us in the long run, ” senior Shaddae Smith said. “It is inevitable that people will liter. If students leave their trays, it won’t hurt the environment due to its use as compost.”

Many have joined the fight to kick non-recyclable products out and introduce eco-friendly products to schools. At first, Miami-Dade County stood alone in this battle, but now more than 2.6 million across the nation give support to the cause. They hope to implement the changes by next September.

“It is a great idea because it helps the environment,” junior Christopher Garzon said. “It will help our school with our green initiative. It is important for everyone to band together and support this for the environment.”

The Urban School Food Alliance consisting of Miami, Orlando, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago, has combined their purchasing power to try to convince suppliers to create and distribute the environmentally friendly trays. The price of plastic plates amount to four cents a piece, while sugarcane trays cost around 15 cents a piece. New York has a pilot program with 30 future members planning on joining a program similar to the one in Miami. When they choose a company to manufacture, the 30 other members can join the contract instead of creating their own. Most of the companies New York has spoken to, agree to the price cut of supplies due to the great income at the end of the process.

“The way our budget is right now, I think we should spend it on something else,” sophomore Victor Lovo said. “I think they should use the money to bring back the art programs. However, the prospect of compost trays in school is possible because it promotes eco-friendly morals.”