Empowering Schools and Communities Through Recycling
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In an era where sustainability is more than just a buzzword, schools across Newfoundland and Labrador are leading the way in environmental initiatives, thanks to the Get Matched! School Recycling Program. This innovative program, run by the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), is not only helping schools raise funds but also encouraging students, families, and the wider community to adopt sustainable waste management habits.
The Get Matched! program works in a simple yet effective way. Schools collect used beverage containers throughout the school year, and MMSB matches the recycling refund for every container recycled. In the 2019-20 school year alone, schools recycled approximately 7 million beverage containers, raising more than $700,000 through the program.
A win-win situation benefiting the school, community, and environment! ♻️🌍
Participating in the program is easy. Schools register annually, ensuring MMSB has an up-to-date bank account and contact information. They then start collecting beverage containers, placing recycling bins in high-traffic areas around the school, organizing recycling blitzes, and encouraging students, parents, and community members to donate beverage containers directly to the school at any Green Depot using the school’s Xpress account number.
But the benefits of the Get Matched! program extends beyond the financial. By participating, schools are creating a culture of sustainability, teaching students the importance of recycling and waste management. These lessons, learned early, can instill lifelong habits that contribute to a healthier planet.
Moreover, the funds raised through the program can be used to enhance the school’s environmental initiatives further. Schools have used the matched funds to purchase additional recycling bins, build sheds for storing recyclables, create environmental resource libraries, start composting at school, and naturalize school grounds with trees, shrubs, or plants.
By donating your recycling to your local school, you’re not only helping them raise funds but also contributing to a greener future. It’s a win-win situation that benefits the school, the community, and the environment. So the next time you finish a beverage, consider donating the container to a school participating in the Get Matched! program. Your small act can make a big difference.
Even if you’re sceptical about the overall impact of recycling on the environment, there’s no denying that participating in the ‘Get Matched!’ program directly benefits your local schools. Every beverage container donated equals more funds for the school, fostering a broader range of initiatives and resources to educate and inspire the next generation. It’s an opportunity to contribute to their future in a tangible, measurable way. So, whether you’re a steadfast environmentalist or just a supporter of local education, your involvement in this program can make a truly significant difference.
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