![]() Plastic bags are made from nonrenewable petroleum and require the use of toxic resources during production and processing. According to the Cloth Bag Company out of Atlanta, Ga., it takes plastic bags more than 1,000 years to biodegrade. Many understand that when the trash gets picked up off the curb, it goes into the landfill and contributes to the giant heap of non-biodegradable material that pollutes the earth. I showed images on “Google” of plastic being washed up on shores and a turtle was eating the plastic.” “I know your family is going to use it sometimes, but what we need to do is to recycle it in the right place or reuse it. “I explained to the kids that I use plastic and try to reuse it,” said Bowles. They watched programs on “You Tube,” which had aired on ABC â “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” on “Good Morning America” and “Nightline’s” “Pacific Garbage Dump.” She also taught them about the three R’s â reduce, reuse, recycle â using a fun song with the same title by Jack Johnson found on the “Curious George” soundtrack. ![]() They used fabric and permanent markers on the bags, which after 30 minutes in the drier, sets, and can later be washed.īefore, during and after the project was completed, Bowles taught students the importance of using reusable bags and the detrimental effect of them flying away in the wind or going into the landfills. Many turtles, globes and slogans decorate the creative bags. Now, bragging rights may be in order at the local supermarket counter, as parents carry their one-of-a-kind bags to use at the store instead of plastic bags.īowles gave students examples of sketches they could use on their bags, but they had the liberty to create their own reusable bags with their favorite environmental subjects. Then, Bowles purchased 300 sturdy blank canvas bags and within the last three weeks, students completed the project just in time for Earth Day today. Born coordinated the effort and the funds came through, donated by the Community Thrift Shop and the Estes Park League of Women Voters. She agreed, if the funding came through, that she was on board. Local resident David Born approached Bowles with the project about a year ago. Elementary school art teacher Valerie Bowles recently guided more than 250 second, third and fourth grade students to decorate 300 reusable canvas bags for children to take home to their parents for reuse. ![]() Big ideas come in small packages, or sometimes bags, when it comes to saving the planet.
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