ISRI and JASON Learning launched their annual Youth Recycling contest aimed at building awareness on the value of recycling, and the essential benefits of the recycled materials industry. The theme for this year’s contest is “Design for Recycling®,” which encourages students to enhance an existing consumer product using Design for Recycling® principles.
“ISRI recognizes that today’s students are the leaders for tomorrow’s continued priority of a sustainable planet,” said ISRI President Robin Wiener. “Last year, creative students from across the country provided more Youth Recycling Contest entries than ever before. Our partnership with JASON Learning enables students to learn more about the recycled materials industry and showcase their talents and passion for the importance of designing products with recycling as a priority.”
Students may choose to create either a poster/infographic or a two-minute video showcasing their improved product and explaining the enhancements made using Design for Recycling® principles. The focus of the contest is to maximize recyclability, reduce costs, eliminate hazardous materials, and minimize time and environmental impact in the recycling process.
The contest is open to all students living in the U.S. and Canada enrolled in grades K-12 during the 2023-24 school year. Students can enter the contest as individuals or as a team of up to four participants. Entries must be submitted by Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at 11:59 PM EST. Participants can find detailed rules and guidelines on the contest website.
The 2022-23 Youth Recycling Contest received 165 entries from talented young minds across the nation. To honor their remarkable achievements, the winners, along with a guardian, attended the 2023 ISRI Convention and Exposition in Nashville, Tennessee. ISRI recognized the student winners and provided invaluable insights into the recycled materials industry. The winners of this year’s contest will be invited once again to attend the ISRI2024 Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.
To assist students with more information on the Youth Recycling contest, ISRI and JASON are sponsoring two Ask-an-Expert LIVE Events — open to all K-12 students, teachers and family members. The events offer a unique opportunity to hear from recycling industry experts, gain valuable tips for successful submissions and ask questions. Dates are Sept. 19, 6 pm ET and Oct. 11, 3 pm ET and registration is available on the provided date link.
To support educators and students in their recycling journey, ISRI and JASON have created a Recycling Activities Collection: Lessons and Resources for Grades K-12. This open-source collection provides educators with engaging materials to inform and inspire students about recycling. Visit https://jason.org/isri-activities-collection/ to access the collection.
ISRI members are encouraged to promote the contest in their communities, places of businesses and within their spheres of influence. For more information, please contact Natalie Messer Betts nbetts@isri.org or Abigail Shaw ashaw@isri.org.
