Mrs. Parish became enthusiastic about recycling after visiting the Material Recovery Center of the Greater Greenville Sanitation Commission (GGSC). As a parent and PTA volunteer, she encouraged art teacher Brian Morgan and plant engineer Eric Parker to find ways to implement a recycling program at Duncan Chapel.

Together they rolled 96-gallon carts through the halls, weighing each bin, recording the weight, and strategically placing the roll carts to collecting paper. By the end of the first semester, the school was collecting milk cartons and steel cans in addition to paper. By the end of last school year, the students and staff had collected 3,703 pounds of paper, 450 pounds of milk cartons, and 750 pounds of steel cans.

Mrs. Parish was also recognized for her ongoing dedication to the recycling program. She encouraged students to learn more about recycling by using recycled materials in art projects. Each student learned how to make new paper from old paper, from which they created Earth Day cards. Mrs. Parish was in the art classroom every day, encouraging students to work on murals for the school made from recycled paper.

The recycling program at Duncan Chapel Elementary runs so smoothly that the school is a model school for the sanitation commission. Many schools currently have a successful recycling program based on Duncan Chapel�s success.

GGSC rewarded Mrs. Parish�s efforts with a $300 check and a compost bin (4x4 wooden structure that can be moved) for the school. She continues to find new ways to encourage recycling among students, including the development of Mobilizing the Science, an after school club to create compost for the school.

(Images provided by Greenville County Schools.)

all contents copyright © 2009, greenville.com. contact: [email protected] or 828.253.2880
For listing and advertising information...