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‘Talking trash’ gets educational boost
STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma school teachers and youth educators have a new tool to provide insights into solid waste management: the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service’s Solid Waste Management Resource Trunk.
“We have trunks in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Stillwater available for check-out across the state,” said Ilda Hershey, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension assistant specialist for solid waste management programs.
The trunks are designed for kindergarten through grade 12 students, either in a formal classroom environment or as part of a non-profit youth education program. Each trunk includes curriculum materials, activities, CD-ROMs, DVDs, books and much more.
“We’ve made reserving a trunk as easy as possible, requiring only an application and $25 refundable deposit,” Hershey said. “Of course, the educator will have to pick the trunk up and provide transport. The trunks are on wheels, so they’re easy to roll around.”
To reserve a trunk, download the application at http://www.agecon.okstate.edu/waste on the Internet. Additional information on the trunks is available by contacting Hershey by e-mail at ilda.hershey@okstate.edu or by phone at 405-744-9806.
Hershey said one of the more popular features is the Close the Loop display, a tri-fold tabletop exhibit detailing products made from recycled materials.
“Just as popular is the provided bag of sample products which includes shoelaces made from soda bottles, roof shingles made from sawdust and PVC, a comb made from recycled plastic and U.S. currency, countertop samples made from recycled glass and other items,” she said.
Trunk materials provide educational aids to cover such topics as Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; practical “how-to” tips on composting; household waste and pollutants; illegal dumping and littering; and much more.
“The Oklahoma Recycling Association co-sponsors the program,” Hershey said. “The organization has been instrumental in providing resources and support.”
Creation of the trunks was made possible by a grant from USDA Rural Development.
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REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Donald Stotts
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
143 Agriculture
North
Oklahoma
State
University
Stillwater, OK 74078-0001
Phone: 405-744-4079
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: donald.stotts@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating; Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer.
