Contributed by Jill Farris, Valley Community for Recycling Solutions
“You might think it is important to recycle, but do you really know how to recycle?” That’s the question being asked of Mat-Su Borough students.
First of a two-part series concluding on Earth Day 2019, this competition is open to all local students in grades K-12 (public, private and homeschooled) asking participants to learn more about the recycling process by visiting our classroom to learn current recycling trends and tips. Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) teaches about how individual actions impact the recycling program. We are asking students to use new their knowledge to creatively educate about the importance of recycling and help the community divert the right materials in the correct way.
Rules:
• One entry per student. An official entry form must accompany all submissions.
• Complete a visit to our classroom at VCRS, located at 9465 E. Chanlyut, Palmer
o (Please call 745-5544 to schedule a field trip/$2.00 per person minimum donation.)
• 200 words or less introspective about how “Recycling Becomes Me”
• Include recycling terms: Sort, Divert, Waste, Resource, Clean
• Judged by teachers and writing professionals, entries will be divided into four grade-level groups: Kindergarten – Grade 2, Grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12
• Deadline: October 20, 2018
Entries will be displayed for a community choice award at the facility. Selected pieces will be included in Valley Community for Recycling Solutions’ (VCRS) bi-annual newsletter.
“For twenty years we have helped residents to recycle more and waste less,” said Mollie Boyer, VCRS executive director. “The manufacturers who use recycled materials to make new products are the major players in the industry. VCRS is committed to knowing what the manufacturer wants to buy and does our best to fit their needs. Knowing what items are actually recyclable and understanding how those materials are processed can help everyone recycle not just more, but better.”
Education and outreach programs like this are designed for community wellbeing and strategic planning. VCRS pursues the mission to reduce, reuse and recycle for the long-term good of all, and aims to encourage Mat-Su Borough students and staff as the school district recycling program evolves.
