Earth Day project teaches kids, helps library and environment

In early February, the Herr Memorial Library joined with Mifflinburg Area Elementary School for the second year to present a "Cartridges for Kids" recycling collection contest to celebrate Earth Day and to learn how recycling helps the environment.

For nine weeks each kindergarten, first, second, and third grade classrooms had a container for students to fill with used ink cartridges and unwanted small electronic devices. On April 17 the containers were collected so that library staff members could count the number of usable items.

All totaled, 340 recyclable items, including used inkjet and laser printer and copier cartridges, as well as unwanted PDAs, iPods, laptops, and cell phones – along with power cords and accessories – were collected by students. That is almost 100 more items than last year.

The kindergarten winners were members of Mr. Snayberger’s class, the first grade winners were in Mr. Fohringer’s class, the second grade winners were in Mrs. Wagner’s class, and the third grade winners were in Mrs. Enders’ class.

All students in the winning classrooms will receive a prize from the library for their recycling efforts.

The goals of the project were to help children learn how they can recycle and how their efforts can help to preserve the environment by keeping harmful items out of landfills. The project also raises funds to support children’s programming at the library.

The recycling collection will continue at the library throughout the year. For more information, contact the Herr Memorial Library, 500 Market Street in Mifflinburg, at 966-0831.