Ecomaine, a Portland, Maine-based nonprofit, recycling and waste-to-energy operation that serves a third of the state’s population in 73 member communities, has announced its 2018 round of School Recycling Grants designed to raise recycling awareness in schools and communities and help schools implement more efficient recycling programs or add composting to their waste collection.
Public or private schools in any of its member communities can apply for School Recycling Grants through Oct. 19.
“The School Recycling Grants program allows us to increase students’ exposure to proper ways of recycling,” Kevin Roche, CEO of Ecomaine, says. “In addition to our tours programs and our other public awareness tools, these grants instill a great sense of ownership in the schools in our communities and help to teach the next generation of recyclers the importance of asking ‘which bin should I put this in?’”
Past grant proposals have ranged from purchasing in-school recycling bins or education materials to offsetting compost hauling fees or assisting schools to participate in tours of Ecomaine. If selected, school recipients can receive up to $5,000 of $25,000 in available grant funds for the 2018-19 school year.
Recipients are chosen based on the following criteria:
- project outline and school commitment;
- ease of project replication;
- likelihood of success and program sustainability; and
- how compelling and worthy the funding is.
In fiscal year 2018, Ecomaine reached more than 25,000 school children and members of the public through grants, tours, presentations and events. “It’s so important to teach our kids about recycling right and promoting safe, sustainable ways to deal with their waste. The impact when they share what they learn with their friends and families is enormous,” Katrina Venhuizen, Ecomaine’s senior environmental educator, says.
In addition to the School Recycling Grants, other programs Ecomaine offers throughout the year to further its education and outreach mission are:
- Recycling is a Work of Art contest (Six winners are selected in spring to paint murals on the “silver bullet” recycling containers in towns.);
- Eco-Excellence Awards (These awards are bestowed annually in March, with nominations accepted throughout the year.);
- Annual Recycling Open House (This year’s is Sept. 29.); and
- Ongoing on-site tours and community outreach.
Following the Oct. 19 deadline, proposals will be reviewed by Ecomaine’s Outreach and Recycling Committee. Winners will be notified by mid-November.