Gold Award Spotlight: R.E.A.D. Recycling
When Jasmine learned that Americans generated more than 35 million tons of plastics in a year—about six times the weight of the Pyramid of Giza—yet less than nine percent of that plastic was recycled, she asked herself what she could do to make a difference. She had always followed the good practice rules of “recycle, repurpose, rethink.” The inspiration behind Jasmine’s journey to inform her community and the world about recycling began when she was in the fifth grade and started a recycle club at school. Her interest in the issue has only grown over the years.
Jasmine took action with her Girl Scout Gold Award project, “R.E.A.D. (Redifying, Environmental, Attitude, Development)” which included the writing and illustration of a children’s book, “I Can Change the World and So Can You!” that teaches children about the importance of recycling and ways they can take charge of reducing their own environmental footprints. She also held a STEM event in partnership with the Williamsburg Regional Library and invited many area nonprofits and earth-friendly businesses such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and ASK HR Green, to come set up a display. With their participation, and a lot of marketing by Jasmine, the event was a success. It also brought awareness to the issue and to the availability of her book for educational purposes.
“Instead of throwing everything away in the trash so it will end up in a landfill, you can recycle many things so they can become new products. Recycling reduces waste and helps save natural resources such as wood and water,” Jasmine shared. “You can feel good about helping the environment when you recycle because you’ll be saving energy and reducing pollution.”
Enjoy this video from the Williamsburg Regional Library featuring Jasmine reading her book!
