Bryant Elementary Green Team's Impact on Recycling
For a decade now, Bryant Elementary's Green Team has been actively involved in promoting sustainability and recycling practices within the school community. As part of Recycle Saline's Youth Environmental Ambassadors (YEA!) Teams, students have been leading the way in environmentally friendly initiatives.
Led by 4th grade teacher Carly Wise, the Green Team was recently honored as the 2024 Arkansas Recycling Coalition School Recycler of the Year. The award is given to an outstanding school, college or university that demonstrates a long-term commitment to waste reduction, recycling and sustainable resource use both in the classroom and as a means to manage the school’s waste.
The BES Green Team has diligently educated students on the significance of sustainable recycling. Students have been motivated to recycle both at school and in their homes, spreading awareness to family and friends about the importance of responsible waste management.
Green Team members take on the responsibility of conducting weekly classroom recycling pickups. These students exhibit self-directedness and leadership skills as they fulfill their duties independently.
Exciting Recycling Events
In addition to regular recycling efforts, the Green Team has organized various engaging events to promote recycling zeal among students:
1. Bike Drives: Hosting successful bike drives in collaboration with Recycled Bikes for Kids, the Green Team has collected and refurbished over 500 bikes for distribution within the community.
2. Pop Tab Pandemonium: Contributing to the Ronald McDonald House of Arkansas, the Green Team has actively participated in collecting pop tabs. In 2019, they gathered 435 pounds, and in 2023, an impressive 597 pounds, setting a record for the state of Arkansas.
3. March Madness-Pop Tab Competition: The school-wide pop tab collection competition during March Madness has been a huge success, with classes competing and contributing to the cause. In the latest round, 546 ziplock baggies filled with pop tabs were collected.
4. Earth Day Celebrations: Every Earth Day, students and families have the opportunity to sign up for the Neighbor Forest program and receive a free tree to plant. Over the years, BES has planted more than 300 trees to support the environment.
5. Vintage Dress-Up Day: Promoting clothing reuse, the Green Team organized a Vintage Dress-Up Day, encouraging students to wear vintage or second-hand clothing to raise awareness about reducing textile waste.
6. Bottle Cap Mural & Recycled Art Contests: The school has engaged in artistic endeavors like creating a bottle cap mural and hosting recycled art contests, encouraging students to showcase their creativity using recycled materials.
Bryant Elementary's Green Team has joined the Keep Arkansas Beautiful schools program, "Keep Our Schools Beautiful," and is gearing up for the 2024 Great American Cleanup in May, demonstrating a continued commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement.
Team members include:
Zariel Alexander, Lillian Arthur, Naiomi Barnes, Emeree Bennett, Justin Blankenship, Davis Brewer, Isaac Chronister, Eliseo Chun Mazariegos, Kaylee Cox, Kinley Cunningham, Mia Guardado, Allie Hall, Willow Bryant, Ella Harris, Gracie Mazurek, Gavin McPherson, Trig Meister, Anson Ngo, Owen Parent, Rigoberto Sanchez, Ayden Smith, and Wyatt Trusty.