Vision

The idea of recycling markers was sparked when students began noticing how quickly markers were being used up in classrooms.

Throughout the school year, my class took on a meaningful sustainability project: collecting dried-up markers and pens to prepare them for recycling. This initiative not only helped reduce waste destined for landfills but also educated students on the importance of waste diversion and environmental responsibility.

Action

To support the collection effort, students repurposed tissue boxes, decorating them as collection bins for used markers and pens. They prepared presentations and visited every classroom in the school, explaining the project and delivering a collection box to each room.

Each week, students made rounds to gather the used markers. During this process, they noticed that some “dried-up” markers still had a bit of ink left. To give these markers a second chance, they created a “marker hospital”—a special bin where slightly used markers were placed upside down to encourage the ink to settle and extend their usability. The truly spent markers were gathered in a larger bin, ready to be recycled.

We plan to continue this project through the end of the school year. So far, our efforts have resulted in 856 markers collected for recycling—a number we’re proud of and hope to grow.

Reflection & Celebration

This project is important to our community because it promotes environmental awareness, responsible waste management, and community engagement. By diverting used markers, pens, and printer cartridges from landfills, we reduce our ecological footprint and encourage sustainable habits. It also empowers students to take initiative, problem-solve, and lead change, showing that even small actions can make a big difference.

Partnering with local businesses strengthens community ties and creates shared responsibility for environmental stewardship. As students share their knowledge and efforts with others in the school and wider community, they help foster a culture of sustainability that can grow beyond the classroom. Ultimately, this project not only addresses waste but also builds a more environmentally conscious and connected community.