Back in November, during our very first Beyond Recycling class with Mr. Ellis’ Grade 5/6 students, we explored the contents of the classroom garbage and sorted items that could have been reused, recycled, or composted. Right away, the students’ creativity began to shine. Many felt certain items should not have been thrown away at all, imagining instead how they could be transformed into boats, pencil holders, and many other useful creations. Their ideas seemed endless!
Several months later, we finally had the chance to put those ideas into action. After an inspiring lesson about creative ways to reuse everyday waste, and plenty of fun brainstorming ideas ranging from egg carton dragons to cardboard couches, we decided to make something simple, practical, and easy for anyone to create: pen and pencil holders for our desks using cardboard and toilet paper rolls.
“Yes! I was hoping we would do this one!” exclaimed one excited student.
Students used their creativity and artistic skills to design unique and functional desk organizers. It was wonderful to see materials that might have been thrown away transformed into something useful and personal.
This activity was also the perfect lead-up to our upcoming trip to the Ootischenia Landfill later this month, where students will continue learning about waste diversion and explore the many ways our community reuses, recycles, and reduces waste.
