Ocracoke Recycles

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This year we began a new elective class at Ocracoke School. This class focuses on Project and Problem base learning (PBL). As we've been learning about the Sustainable Development Goals, we found an issue we can address in our school and community. We know that PBL units require a problem to solve. We found one that matches several of our SOGs; sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, life below water, life above land, and partnership for the goals.

Our idea is a recycling initiative that would allow each classroom to contribute and it wouldn't require much effort. This grant would provide us with materials/bins for each room. Each week we collect paper, bottles, cans, plastic, etc... We have reached out to our county commissioners, managers, and solid waste departments to find out where our recycling goes. We've heard that our landfill does not recycle often, but we still think it's important to practice this at our school. As part of our recycling initiative, we would like to collect the bottle caps that are being recycled to develop and install a bottle cap mural within our school to represent and remind people of the importance of recycling. 

As an extension beyond the school, and into our community with Ocracoke being a close-knit/small island, we plan to put up signs at locations where plastic bottles or cans are often bought. We also plan on contacting our local restaurants and stores to see if they will recycle and collect bottle caps to support our cause and keep our island BEAUTIFUL!

Purpose
We have found that there is little recycling on Ocracoke Island and would like to implement recycling in our school and community. We have all learned that we can proceed with greatness and help our community, so we want to help with local restaurants, our store, and much more.
Why We Are Doing It
We have learned a lot about sustainable development goals: 17 goals created by the United Nations to make the world a cleaner more sustainable place.
What We Have Learned
While researching recycling in Hyde County Schools, we found that according to Hyde County School Board policy, all Hyde County Schools should implement recyclinng; our school does not, YET!
The policy states, "The superintendent shall establish programs to help the school system meet the following board goals":
1. Integrating the concept of resource conservation including waste reduction and recycling, in the curriculum
2. Reducing the consumption of consumable materials whenever possible
3. Fully utilizing all materials prior to disposal
4. Minimizing the use of non-biodegradable products whenever possible
5. Purchasing recycled products when financially viable
6. Encouraging supplier both private and public to make recyclable products and unbleached paper products available for purchase by public schools
*Trash and recycling must be deposited in proper receptacles.
What The Expected Outcome/Impact Is
We hope to have a cleaner and safer environment for the community and our school, not to mention our wildlife on Ocracoke Island! We would like to have a well-running and impactful organization that does more than just recycling. It could bring people together and teach younger generations the importance of teamwork and making a difference together.

Key Learnings for Students
Students should know that they are part of something bigger than themselves. That they are not only citizens of Ocracoke, but also global citizens. As they become leaders in their classroom, they will learn to address issues and challenges in the world around them.
 

We are targeting learning by building:

• Leadership Skills                   Problem Solving Skills

• Critical Thinking Skills            Inquiry

• Collaboration                         Responsibility

• Communication Skills            Writing Skills

• Research Skills                      Curiosity

• Teamwork                               …and so much more!