Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

When facing the reality of global warming and the environmental changes that the world is currently enduring, it is logical that we teach the younger generation what they can do to combat potential disaster. Although recycling is a small step, it is one that will not only care for the planet, but will also help conserve our resources. The Valpo Surf Project (VSP) recently sought to iterate the importance of recycling to its students, and to also demonstrate the fun that can come along with reusing items.

Inspired by Vissla & Surfrider’s, Creators & Innovators Upcycle contest, the VSP challenged their students to bring recyclable materials from home with the desire that they would create something entirely new and useful. Ceros Mariposas & Toro, Laguna Verde, and Montedónico all participated in making a variety of unique creations over the span of two weeks.

Submarine boats, piggy banks, plastic airplanes, and life size cardboard cut-outs of their friends were among some of the final products. Although it was difficult to decide on a winner between the chair made out of plastic bottles and egg cartons and the medieval cardboard sword and egg carton shield, the VSP determined that all of their students are winners because of their ability to take a piece of “trash” and transform it into a “treasure.”

It is our hope that this activity will allow our students to look at trash differently going forward. Whether they pick it up off of the beach or discard an item at home, we believe our students are capable of seeing the power of reducing, reusing, and recycling to change their futures and the future of our planet.