Two years ago, Moss Haven Elementary teacher Kim Aman saw the school janitor dumping trash from the blue recycling bins in each classroom into the trash dumpster. When she investigated, she found that RISD custodians don’t separate the recyclable discards – so she decided to take on the job herself.
“I wanted to get the kids involved,” she said, so she started the Green Team Recycling Rangers. She started with her Learning Lab students (formerly known as Special Ed), but soon the idea had spread to students and teachers all over the campus. “This is something kids can participate in and be proud of their school.”
She was amazed at how green-savvy her students already are. “I’m of the old generation – but these kids are going on the internet, learning all they can about going green. I’m convinced they will save our planet!”
“It’s cool to see how much kids can do,” said fifth-grader Catherine Bryant, student leader of the Green Team. “It shows that people do care, and they want to take care of Mother Earth.” Catherine makes announcements on the school’s “Good Morning, Moss Haven” show, encouraging students to join the cause. “At home, I make green crafts with my friends,” she told me, “and we use recycled materials in our Destination Imagination projects. It’s awesome to see how many ideas the kids have.”
“When I see people throwing water bottles or cans in the trash, I say ‘hey guys, recycle those!,’” she added, “and I’ve been encouraging my little brother Cullen and his friends to help.”
“The neighborhood really supports our recycling efforts,” Kim said. “In fact, we need more bins because they’re often full. It’s easier just to throw trash in the garbage, but we are trying to streamline it to make it easier to recycle.”
Kim’s work has earned her recognition as a finalist for the WFAA Project Green Eco-Educator Award. Winners will be determined by online voting, with fifteen teachers making the finals. Kim’s toughest competition is expected to come from Sheridan Stringer of Merriman Park. Either way, LH wins. You can vote here until midnight this Friday.
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