Everyday, billions of people around the world throw things away, but where exactly is “away?” What happens to the batteries, cleaning products, and other hazardous materials we throw away? Earth Team interns from Arroyo High School set out to answer that question through their documentary, There Is No Away.
The film explores the importance of properly disposing of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW), using everyday batteries as an example. Students investigated how improper disposal can affect our communities and environment, learned about local HHW services, and spoke with professionals from Alameda County Environmental Health about the challenges and solutions surrounding hazardous waste.
Through research, interviews, and filmmaking, students took on the roles of environmental educators, researchers, and storytellers. With the guidance of lead filmmaker Raúl Varela, they brought their ideas to life on screen and created a film designed to help their peers and community members better understand what happens when hazardous materials are thrown in the trash.
For information about Household Hazardous Waste disposal services in Alameda County, visit StopWaste.
Watch There Is No Away to learn more about household hazardous waste and how you can safely dispose of these materials in Alameda County.
Watch There Is No Away on YouTube
Thank you to everyone who helped make this film possible! To all Arroyo High students, teachers, and staff we appreciate your ongoing support for Earth Team interns and projects. To Mayor Juan González III of San Leandro for speaking with students and calming their nerves with such a great first interview. To Rudy Labaniego, Jerico De Guzman, Ambrose Cruz, and Sean Wu from Alameda County HHW for sharing your facility with us. To Chief Land and Water Protection Division Alameda County Dilan Roe for being at the right place at the right time and sharing your expertise with the interns.
A special thank you to Raul Varela, director, producer, and filmmaker, for making this film possible and for working closely with our students throughout the filmmaking process. His expertise, creativity, and mentorship gave students the opportunity to experience the filmmaking process while sharing an environmental issue that matters to their community.
We are also incredibly grateful to the Rose Foundation for funding this project and supporting Earth Team students as they turn environmental issues into meaningful community education.
