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Rhodes Recycling Project began in 1990 as a program with just one
objective, to recycle paper, plastic bottles, glass, and aluminum
cans. Over the past 12 years, approximately 311,000 lbs. or 155.5
tons of paper have been recycled. The program has expanded to include
the recycling of plastic bags and milk cartons. One of the most notable
aspects of this project is that the 7th and 8th grade team members
actually teach younger students the lessons of recycling. They use
their lunch period or study hall once a week to work the recycling
station. The older students serve as mentors and assist the younger
students with material sorting.
Over
the years, reducing the waste that needs to be recycled has become
a new objective. The River Grove Transportation Project started
in the 1999/2000 school year to reduce the amount of gasoline being
used to transport students in two separate school districts by using
the Rhodes School District's own bus fleet. To date, over 5,300
gallons of fuel have been saved.
Next,
the students looked for ways they could complete the loop of Recycle,
Reduce and Reuse. Team members noticed that many surplus items like
computers, carts, and textbooks had begun to accumulate at the school.
No one seemed to be using these items, but they were still usable
and were occupying much needed space. Since 1988, they have been
sharing these materials with other schools. Instead of making their
way to landfills, these materials are being reused by others who
would not have them otherwise.
The
Rhodes Recycling Project has not gone unrecognized. They have received
many local, state, and national awards and have been documented
in a number of articles in local newspapers and newsletters. The
Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs has already
awarded the group a grant of $3,950. They have also been awarded
the Outstanding Recycle Education Program of the Year by the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency and have been recognized by the
Illinois Recycle Association.
National
Geographic Society had the following statement; "The Rhodes
Recycling Program has been active since 1990. This award-winning
recycling program goes beyond their school, impacting the entire
community of River Grove, Illinois. Rhodes School has a modern,
creative, and a sensible plan for recycling. They have advanced
beyond basic recycling in their school to include materials such
as milk cartons and plastic bags. They also take a supply-side approach
by being a leader in source reduction. One example of this is their
Schools Assisting Schools Program, where Rhodes has chosen to donate
materials such as books, carts and computers, which they no longer
need, to schools who can use them. The National Geographic Society,
an organization whose mission is to increase global understanding
and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research,
and education, is proud to join SeaWorld and Busch Gardens in recognizing
Rhodes School with an Environmental Excellence Award.
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