The Town of North Hempstead’s Comprehensive School Recycling Program recently wrapped up its fifth year.
Since the town created the program in 2008, the more than 40,000 student participants in nine of the town’s 11 school districts have collectively recycled an estimated 380 tons of paper and 140 tons of comingles (plastic, aluminum and glass).
“This program has not only helped spread the idea of keeping North Hempstead green among our residents but has also put great emphasis on training our young people to become the future stewards of the environment,” Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman said. “Our goal is to make it become ingrained in their everyday life.”
Designed to make it fun for the youth and promote creativity, a number of components have been added to the School Recycling Program over the years.
The First Annual Trashion Show debuted this year, attracting 71 students who walked the runway in outfits of their own creations made from recycled material. Also introduced this year was The Art of Recycling, which will involve placing painted recycling bins from each high school in prominent locations throughout the Town.
Previously-introduced elements include: The “Weigh In Program”, which offers students the opportunity to measure the results of their success.
“E-waste collection” which takes the Town’s electronic collection program on the road to designated locations at each of the participating schools.
“The CAPS Back Program” which collected an estimated total of 1.6 tons of plastic container caps. The town has partnered with cosmetic giant Estee Lauder, who collects the normally-non-recyclable caps and reprocesses them for packaging of its Aveda products.
The Annual “Recycling Video Contest” which encourages students to promote the message “Plastic Ain’t My Bag.” Hundreds of students have participated, producing inspiring videos. The winners are honored before the Town Board.
In addition to the School Recycling Program, the Town also hosts a number of annual environmental efforts such as Earth Day, EcoFest, Clean Sweep, the Green Team Clean Up. The Town has also purchased hybrid cars and buses, incorporated green building technology in its municipal construction projects as well as re-seeded the bays and waterways with shellfish.
