Central Lake Elementary students show some of their posters for the ÔEarth HeroesÕ program. Photo by Jeffray N. Kessler

Recycling programs have come and gone in many schools, but this one is comprehensive, has depth and desire. The plan started with discussions by students that resulted from an ongoing curriculum component dedicated to problem-solving skills. Students realized they did not have to look far to find a problem for which they could use their freshly honed skills. They saw opportunity in classrooms, in the halls, in the cafeteria, on the playground, on the streets and in their homes. There seemed to be evidence everywhere that people were being wasteful. Identifying the problem was only half the problem solved.

With enthusiasm and creativity, students entered into the planning phase of how they envisioned solving such a huge problem. They came up with an extensive series of ways they could impact this important challenge. At the top of their list was the realization that they could not do this alone, and in fact should not have to do it alone. This was not one personÕs problem or one groupÕs problem. This was everyoneÕs problem. It was time to put their plans into action.

The students had learned that focus was a key element of problem solving, especially with a challenge as expansive as this one. They directed their energies toward paper, pencils, batteries, plastic water bottles, beverage cans, trash on the playground, and food in the cafeteria.

These new "Earth Heroes" have swooped into classrooms with posters and collection boxes, skits and reports. Notices in hallways alert everyone to stay aware of waste issues and actions that can be taken to solve the problem. Are there pencils to reuse? Does paper have a backside that is blank? How horrible is it to pollute the places we play with trash? IsnÕt it smart to take only food you plan to eat? Are you thinking about waste reduction every time you pick up a metal or plastic container? The students are forcing and championing the issue.

There is a community and home connection that students are promoting. They are challenging people to clean and reuse plastic water bottles. They are educating parents and community members about the acid in batteries and have offered to make their school a battery recycling center. They have researched services at the Central Lake recycling center and passed on what they have learned. "You can recycle for free,Ó is one of the discoveries they have made and want to share. As an example of the depth of their research, students have even found that local farmers can benefit from paper recycling. They can use it as animal bedding. It breaks down faster than straw and hay, and can be used as compost more readily.

When asked why he thought this project was an important one, student Brian Stasevich said, Ò"I want to make the environment cleaner so animals wonÕt run away because of all the pollution. Now is the time to do all this before their environment is totally destroyed."

Alaina VanderMark, a third grader, added "This is important because it is a good opportunity to get people recycling more. Without it lots of nature will die."

As their teacher,. Boven has been pleased with the studentsÕ interest level. She elaborated by saying, "I have really been impressed by their creativity, especially with the methods they have come up with to convince other students to not be wasteful."

Problem-solving ability has been identified by the business world as one of the most valuable traits that is desired in new employees. The students are getting excellent practice at just that while impacting their environment. Not only does their program focus on goals that are accomplishable, it includes actions that keep it moving forward and maintain momentum. They have learned responsibility, and if that is something they can teach to others while making their environment better, then they have truly become "Earth Heroes.Ó"