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Posted: October 11, 2006
Mendenhall Elementary students collected more than 3,000 pounds of #1 PET plastic bottles this spring, receiving recognition from Keep America Beautiful as one of the top 50 collecting schools in the nation.
“The #1 PET plastic, primarily water and soda bottles collected during the contest, will become fleece jackets through the recycling process,” said City of Plano Recycling Education Coordinator Glenna Brown.
“Aquafina and Sam’s Club, other sponsors of the program, will provide thousands of fleece jackets to the top winning schools. Those jackets will “Return the Warmth” to deserving children long after the contest has ended.”
Ms. Brown organized the recycling drive along with Mendenhall third grade teacher Molly Pond. Special collection bins were located throughout the school to encourage students to collect the bottles for several weeks. In addition to bringing their water and soda bottles to school for recycling, several groups of children organized weekend collections.
Allied Waste collected the recyclables which were set out daily by the students. “Student, faculty and parent involvement ensured the success of this project,” said Ms. Brown.
“This contest was fun for the children,” said Mendenhall Principal Karen Noble. “They really got excited about it and were thrilled to learn they have been so successful. This is a win-win situation for our school not only because we won, but also because we are encouraging good recycling habits at school and home.”
Mendenhall will receive a $1,000 grant in the form of a gift card from Sam’s Club, and several fleece jackets for children who need a warm winter coat.
Pictured above are students (L to R): Eddy Rojas, Gabby Perez and Jackie Cisneros, enthusiastic participants in the plastic collection drive.
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