Education
The Miami County Sanitary Engineering Department is strongly committed to the education of area students in the environmental and financial benefits of recycling. Below are some various programs we support.
Recycled Mouse Contest
This contest shows students how computer mice can be reused to make toy mice. The emphasis is on the reuse of something that might otherwise be thrown out. There is a third party involved, so scheduling depends on availability.
SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS
If you would like a presentation on recycling or composting at your elementary school, please contact Cindy Bach at 440-3488. These presentations will last around 30 minutes.
Green Gals Contests
Currently, there are contests throughout the year for students in grades K-12. The Green Gals: Dana Wolfe of Newspapers in Education for Sidney/Troy, Karen Kelly of the Scott Family McDonalds, Linda Raterman of Miami Soil and Water and Cindy Bach of Miami County Sanitary Engineering make up this committee that is dedicated to increasing recycling in the county.
Green Gals Poster Contest
This is a spring contest where students can make posters and have a choice of themes. One is recycling and the other changes yearly, dealing with conservation. Prizes are awarded depending on participation. The top posters will advance to the state poster conservation contest. Below are posters from the 2009 contest.
Green Gals Essay Contest
This contest has students write an essay that deals with recycling and conservation. Essays are judged on grammar, punctuality and creativity. Below is an essay from the 2009 contest.
Conner Brown
Piqua Jr. High School
Ms. Butt 7th Grade
Think about it. What does the phrase “Closing the Loop” mean to you? What do you think it means? That phrase really means to stop some of the things people are doing that are hurting the earth. You may not realize it, but everyday people are destroying our planet. What can you do to stop it? Recycling and conserve!!
One of the things you can do is to recycle. Recycling means to reuse in the same way or reuse it in a different way. Instead of using disposable products (shopping bags, napkins, paper cups, plates, etc.) use durable products that are just as handy. If you have used clothing or furniture that you’re getting rid of, why not take them to your local thrift shop? That way someone else can reuse them and get just as much use out of them. Packing materials and boxes are easy to be reused; whether for presents or storing things. Many materials right now are being recycled like glass, metal, paper and plastics. These things people can find around their house, and usually they would throw away. When they could actually be recycling and saving the earth. That is a few things to do to save our earth!
Conservation what does that mean? What is means is to prevent the loss of something. In this case energy is the loss we want to prevent. One major way people are polluting the air is from their cars. Cars give off a gas after burning fuel that goes into the air, and destroys ozone layer. People should turn their car off when it’s not in use even it’s “just for a minute.” Whenever possible you should walk, ride, car pool or take a bus instead. Conserving energy and recycling are just a few things you could do to make the earth a better place, but it’s two things that could make a BIG difference.
Green Gals Recycled Ornament Contest
This is a fall contest where students can make ornaments made from recycled materials. Prizes are awarded depending on participation. Below is this year's winning creation.
Educational Links
http://www.epa.gov/osw/k00-001.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/index.htm
http://recyclingeducation.org/
http://earth911.org/for-students/
http://eelink.net/pages/EE+Organizations+and+Projects+-+Solid+Waste
http://earthday.net/
http://eia.doe.gov/kids
http://www.filtersfast.com/Educators-Guide-Green-Lessons.asp