On Tuesday Sept. 3, the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) and JASON Learning announced the launch of their 2024-2025 Youth Recycling Contest, aimed at building awareness around the value and benefits of the recycled materials industry. The 2024-25 theme is “Sustainable, Resilient, Essential,” encouraging students to develop an advertisement highlighting those three key features of the industry. The contest is an exciting opportunity for K-12 students to showcase their creativity and commitment to recycling.
“ReMA is proud to again be inspiring future recycling leaders through the 2024-2025 Youth Recycling Contest, together with our partners at JASON Learning,” said ReMA President Robin Wiener. “We invite all teachers to integrate this contest into their classrooms, so their students can engage STEM and communications skills while learning about a sustainable industry where they can one day build a career.”
This year’s contest challenges participants to create an advertisement in the form of a poster/infographic or a one-minute video that highlights three key features of the recycled materials industry: Sustainable, Resilient, and Essential.
- Sustainable: Recycling helps protect our planet by reducing waste and conserving resources. Students are invited to explore how recycling practices contribute to a sustainable future.
- Resilient: The recycled materials industry strengthens our economy by providing cost-effective, high-quality materials. Entries should illustrate how recycling fosters economic resilience.
- Essential: Recycling ensures the availability of necessary materials for everyday life, improving our quality of life. Participants will highlight the importance of recycling in maintaining essential resources.
The contest is open to all students living in the United States and Canada enrolled in grades K-12 during the 2024-25 school year and there is no cost to participate. Students can enter the contest as individuals or as a team of two individuals. All entries must be submitted by December 13, 2024. Contest details and submission guidelines are available on the contest website.
The winners will be invited to attend the 2025 ReMA Convention and Exposition in San Diego, CA, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their work and engage with industry professionals. Each winning student can bring along one teacher and one parent or guardian. This unique opportunity allows for a deeper connection to the recycled materials industry and offers a chance to celebrate their achievements in a vibrant and supportive setting.
To assist participants, ReMA and JASON Learning will host two informative webinars:
- October 1, 2024: Introduction to the Contest and Principles of Recycling
- October 30, 2024: Tips and Guidance for Creating Impactful Advertisements
Last year’s contest challenged participants to improve an existing consumer product using Design for Recycling® principles. The contest received over 285 submissions from more than 550 students nationwide, showcasing a remarkable level of innovation and dedication. Visit https://jason.org/2023-rema-jason-recycling-contest/ to view last year’s winning entries.
ReMA and JASON Learning encourage students to leverage their research and creativity to illustrate how recycling is integral to building a sustainable, resilient, and essential future. This contest is a fantastic opportunity for young minds to make a difference and gain recognition for their innovative ideas.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash.
