Vision

Our vision is to not only teach students about the amount of waste that is created under the guise of recycling, but to allow the students to create and express themselves artistically for the benefit of up-cycling and waste reduction.

Action

The goal was to not only make use of plastics commonly purchased, but to inspire utilization of waste plastics on an ongoing basis and broaden the inspiration for use of other types. Our project tied into art, as students made personal creations from the plastic that we reform and giving it as gifts to their guardians.

Reflection & Celebration

We became educated in what plastic to use, how to work the plastic (and how NOT to) based off video research and determined that #2 plastics are the safest (fumes, toxins) and best to work with. Once we had enough plastics collected, and the labels removed, the art project and work began. We needed numerous class periods to make the plastic sheets and “blanks” to use, and to get right colouring in the blanks. We also needed to have individualized plans of what to create with the plastic. We then needed the remaining class periods to cut away excess material on the blanks, cut them to the shapes that the students chose, and make holes in the ones that will be necklaces. The last day was used to do the final touches (sanding, waxing, and adding string). The students were very engaged, especially when the environmental initiative became an art project. I look forward to the creations being taken home next week so that the students can explain how they did it, why they did it, and how easy it was to creatively use waste plastic.