STEM education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of innovation and technology. High school STEM programs provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on learning experiences. However, with great learning comes great responsibility – the responsibility to be environmentally conscious and sustainable in our practices.

In 2024, a non-profit organization called ReSTEM was established by two ambitious high school students in Orlando, FL. Their mission? To empower high school STEM programs through recycling. By recycling byproducts and waste generated from STEM extracurriculars and activities, ReSTEM aims to create new items that can be used again by those same programs, thus closing the loop on resource consumption and waste production. Currently, ReSTEM offers two main services: recycling plastic bottles and recycling filament. Plastic bottles are a common waste product in school settings, often used for various experiments and projects. By collecting and recycling these bottles, ReSTEM not only prevents them from ending up in landfills but also turns them into new items that can be used by STEM programs. Additionally, recycling filament – a material used in 3D printing – allows schools to reuse materials and reduce their environmental impact. The impact of ReSTEM's initiative goes beyond just sustainability. By recycling and repurposing materials, high school STEM programs can save on costs associated with purchasing new supplies. This not only makes these programs more accessible and affordable but also instills valuable lessons in resourcefulness and sustainability in students. Looking to the future, ReSTEM aims to expand its outreach and impact on the community. By seeking sponsorship from companies, the organization plans to acquire more recycling machines, enabling them to increase their recycling capabilities and serve a larger number of schools. With the support of these sponsors, ReSTEM can continue to empower high school STEM programs, promote environmental stewardship, and foster a culture of sustainability within the next generation of innovators. In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, initiatives like ReSTEM are paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future. By harnessing the power of recycling and empowering high school STEM programs, we can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom – shaping a more sustainable world for generations to come.