Article and photography by Ricki Gardenhire Office of Communications and Public Outreach

Charlotte Arvin, a fourth-grade teacher at West Irvine Elementary in Estill County, believes that when students come up with a good idea it's best to let them see it through implementation.

“Last year, we were discussing possible after-school clubs with our students and they talked about starting a club that would be dedicated to helping the environment,” said Arvin. “The Green Club is student-driven; they decide the projects to complete. They have undertaken a massive recycling program for our school and worked with county officials to put it into action.”

The students partnered with the Estill County government to obtain recycling bins for their classrooms, and use of a trailer for collecting and sorting the recycling commodities. About every two weeks, the county road department picks up the trailer and takes the recyclables to the county-owned recycling center for further sorting. The commodities are transported to the Bluegrass Regional Recycling Center in Richmond to sell as part of a cooperative marketing agreement.

ported to the Bluegrass Regional Recycling Center in Richmond to sell as part of a cooperative marketing agreement.

The students collect newsprint, plastic, aluminum, cardboard and paper.

Kim Dawes, solid waste coordinator for Estill County, said the Green Club at West Irvine took off on its own. “I think it’s wonderful that—at such a young age—they are working to make our world a better place.” and students are bringing in foil from home to add to the ball. They will recycle the ball at the end of the school year, and they’ve challenged a sister school to see who can create the largest foil ball.

Ten-year-old Bryonna Claypoole said the club is all about helping the environment. “It’s our world, it’s where we live. Plus, it’s fun.”

Jacob Abshear, a fourth-grader, says it’s important to teach students to recycle at school so they’ll recycle at home, too. “We have to be committed; the Earth needs to be clean.”

West Irvine students also are on a mission to see how large an aluminum foil ball they can make; cafeteria workers are saving aluminum foil used in the kitchen

and students are bringing in foil from home to add to the ball. They will recycle the ball at the end of the school year, and they’ve challenged a sister school to see who can create the largest foil ball.

Not just anyone can join; new members have to fill out applications to be a part of the program.

Kara VanWinkle, 11, said that she had to be a part of the club since day one. “When I heard about the Green Club, I knew that I had to join. We are helping the world, and it feels good to know that you are doing something good. It’s awesome.

“If other kids are reading this, I’d tell them that if they know of something good to do and something that would make a difference, don’t hesitate. Get out and find a way to do it.” With environmental clubs springing up in schools across the Commonwealth, young Kentuckians are learning to be environmental stewards and encouraging others to do the same.

With environmental clubs springing up in schools across the Commonwealth, young Kentuckians are learning to be environmental stewards and encouraging others to do the same.