Tackling Food Waste with STEM

Are you concerned about the sheer volume of food wasted every single day? According to the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024, one billion meals are wasted every day globally, representing one-fifth of all food produced for human consumption. Surprisingly, lunch waste significantly exacerbates this problem, particularly in schools.

At Newberry High School in South Carolina, lunchtime creates more than just empty trays—1,440 gallons of lunch waste daily, enough to fill a school bus in a few days! Rather than let it go to waste, a group of students saw an opportunity: what if they could turn it into something valuable?

Students Use STEM to Tackle Food Waste

Driven by a desire to make a difference, the students tackled a challenging project through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. Working with special education teacher Ms. Heather Alexander, they applied STEM principles to develop an integrated sustainability project that addressed food waste.

The students created a pollinator garden and composting system to manage food waste and promote environmental responsibility. By separating compostable items, they reduced landfill waste and teamed up with the Robotics team to design a 3D-printed, solar-powered composting bin. Next, they plan to turn plastics and Styrofoam into concrete pavers. The compost now nourishes the school garden and greenhouse, earning them statewide recognition.

Elijah, the Robotics Team Captain who led the project, said, "Our project shows how STEM can drive lasting change, and we hope it inspires a campus-wide movement toward waste separation."

Bridging Education and Career Opportunities

To enable Newberry’s students to keep exploring innovative solutions to real-world challenges, Samsung donated $10,000 and invited students to tour the Samsung Electronics Home Appliances America (SEHA) facility to experience STEM innovation and explore potential careers firsthand.

“Our SEHA facility and customer care center in Greenville allow us to actively support the South Carolina community and help students prepare for future careers in STEM,” said Thomas Komaromi, General Counsel at Samsung Electronics Home Appliances America.

Ms. Alexander highlighted the program’s value: “Samsung Solve for Tomorrow united students of all abilities through STEM learning. Samsung’s donation and facility tour will continue to inspire students and open doors to future career paths.”

“During the insightful facility tour, we explored STEM innovations and career opportunities. Our team demonstrated how STEM education empowers us to develop problem-solving skills and create sustainable solutions through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, showcasing its impact beyond the classroom," said Elijah.