A school has recently completed a unit on recycling. The poster shows what was taught on recycling through the “Three R’s”.

Question

Constructed Response Question

Read the poster. Then choose a second area from the three R's on the poster and design a program for your family to participate in that would minimize human impact on the local environment. Clearly state what area you chose as your inspiration from the poster, what the main focus of your program will be, and details on how the program would work. Also include a rationale on why you chose this program. Complete all parts of the question to receive full credit.

Reuse
To save something and use it over again for the same purpose or another purpose
Choose reusable rather than disposable goods (napkins, mugs, razors, sponges, etc.)
Purchase used goods (furniture, books, music, toys, clothes, etc.)
Sell or give away goods you no longer want or need.
Use the back of old paper as scratch paper.
Use glass jars, plastic tubs, water bottles, lunch bags, etc. again and again.
Use leftover materials to make something different (scrap lumber to build a bat house or doll house).

Answer 1

Program Design: Family Reuse Challenge

Inspiration Area: Reuse

Main Focus of the Program: The main focus of this program will be to encourage family members to creatively reuse items that would typically be discarded. The goal is to reduce waste by finding new and imaginative ways to repurpose everyday items around the house.

Program Details:

1. Challenge Duration: The program will last for one month. Each week will focus on a different category of items that can be reused.

2. Weekly Themes:

   • Week 1: Kitchen Items - Family members will collect jars, containers, and food packaging. They will participate in an activity where they brainstorm and implement creative uses (e.g., jars as storage for spices or craft supplies).
   • Week 2: Clothing and Fabric - Participants may gather old clothes and fabric scraps. They’ll work on projects such as turning old t-shirts into tote bags or patchwork quilts.
   • Week 3: Office Supplies - Family members will collect used paper, cardboard, and office materials. The challenge will include making notepads from old paper or turning cereal boxes into organizers.
   • Week 4: Miscellaneous Household Items - Everyone can explore their creativity further by finding items that don’t fit other categories. Ideas can include creating art from bottle caps or using old furniture to create new, functional pieces.

3. Monthly Family Workshop: At the end of each week, the family will hold a workshop to showcase their creations. Participants will explain their projects, share the materials used, and discuss the environmental impact of reusing these items.

4. Documentation and Reflection: Each family member will document their reuse projects through pictures and write a short reflection on the materials used, the inspiration behind their idea, and what they learned about the importance of reusing.

5. Incentives: To encourage participation, the family will set up a point system where points can be earned for creativity, effort, and the number of items reused. At the end of the month, points can be exchanged for a fun family outing or special treat.

Rationale for Choosing This Program: I chose to focus on the "Reuse" aspect of the Three R's because I believe that reusing items not only reduces waste but also fosters creativity and critical thinking. Often, we overlook the potential of the items we already own, and this program encourages us to see them in a new light. By involving the whole family in a hands-on and collaborative approach, we can cultivate a culture of mindfulness towards consumption and waste, ultimately minimizing our impact on the local environment. Moreover, the program reinforces skills such as problem-solving and resourcefulness, which are valuable beyond just the context of recycling. The memories made during the workshops and the bonding experience of working together will enhance our family's connection to sustainability as well.