Success StoryNational recycling week challenge shows continue change in the environment



National recycling week challenge shows continue change in the environment

Author: Chadwick Conway

Planning Unit: Knott County CES

Major Program: Environmental Sustainability & Responsibility

Plan of Work: Practicing stewardship in natural resources.

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The Knott County Creeks and Streams Committee was established over 15 years ago to help with ecology education and outreach across Knott County, since its inception the Knott County Extension Agents have been heavily involved in supporting the committee and its endeavors.

This fall during the National Recycling Week, the Knott County Creeks and Streams Committee sponsored a recycling challenge for all fourth-grade classrooms across the Knott County School System.  The Committee partnered with the Knott County Extension Service, and the Knott County Recycling Center to promote and collect items to recycle such as paper, plastic, and aluminum. Each elementary school in the county had a recycling trailer located at their school in order to assist them with the collecting process.


Over the five-day challenge, a total amount of 2,100 pounds of paper, plastic, and aluminum recyclable material was collected. Hindman Elementary School's fourth-grade classes took home all three class prizes with over 1,000 pounds of recyclable goods collected.  After completion of the challenge, the committee noticed such an excellent response that they decided to award the school with the highest average percentage of collected items per student. That acknowledgment goes to the Beaver Creek Elementary School's fourth-grade class who collected 13 pounds per student.


Knott County's Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, Chad Conway stated, "It was great seeing all of the county schools using the recycling trailers provided for them on their school grounds. Several teachers also stated how this has got them inspired to recycle more in their schools and homes to help better our environment.  The Knott County Extension service is honored in helping educate our youth about protecting our environment.








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