Friday Harbor High School students advocate for recycling reform in Olympia 

||| FROM JESS NEWLEY for FRIENDS OF THE SAN JUANS |||

On March 24, Friends of the San Juans led a group of passionate student advocates from the Friday Harbor High School Eco Club to the Washington State Capitol, where they spent the day engaging with lawmakers and championing environmental policy. The students met with 40th District Representatives Alex Ramel and Debra Lekanoff, as well as Senator Liz Lovelett, to discuss critical issues facing island communities—including the Recycling Reform Act. 

The Recycling Reform Act is designed to improve Washington’s waste management systems, making recycling more efficient and accessible, while reducing plastic and paper packaging through a producer responsibility program. The bill now awaits passage out of the Appropriations Committee before moving to a House floor vote. 

Students shared personal perspectives on why this legislation is particularly important for island communities, where waste disposal and recycling present unique challenges. For many students, this hands-on experience deepened their understanding of civic engagement and reinforced their commitment to environmental advocacy. 

“It gives me great hope to hear youth stand up for what they believe in,” said Jess Newley, Friends’ Community Science and Education Director, who co-advises the Eco Club with Katie Fleming from San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship. “I’ve heard two students say they may go into policy because of this experience.” 

“I loved learning more about how our government works,” shared one Eco Club member. “It made me hopeful that there were so many people advocating for the environment and open to listening to us. This was such an amazing opportunity to take an active role in our future.” 

Another student reflected on the experience, saying, “I had such a great time on the Olympia trip. I enjoyed meeting and talking to our representatives and senator. I feel like I learned so much about how our government works, and I feel inspired to continue advocating for our environment!” 

The trip was made possible through the generous support of Friends’ members and a Madrona Institute Stewardship Fund grant, which allows Friends to educate and mentor youth—empowering them to take an active role in shaping a more sustainable future. 

As legislative discussions around recycling reform continue, these students have proven that young voices are a vital part of the conversation. Friends of the San Juans remains committed to fostering youth leadership and advocating for policies that protect island ecosystems for generations to come. 

Celebrate Earth Day with us on April 22 by joining a virtual community presentation featuring these inspiring student advocates. Hear their stories firsthand and learn how they’re making a difference. Email Jess@sanjuans.org to register.