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As state and county recycling programs mature, the importance of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) maintaining a high profile is paramount to promoting the benefits of recycling and waste reduction to our citizens. MDE continues to emphasize public education with television commercials, classroom instruction and special events outreach.
MDE in the Classroom
MDE reached more than 1,800 students and teachers at 24 Maryland schools last school year. “MDE in the Classroom” travels to schools and events throughout Maryland featuring various displays, presentations and demonstrations backed by activity lesson plans. Teachers of all grades participate with our hands-on programs.In 2005, Marylanders generated nearly 7.5 million tons of Municipal Solid Waste. Maryland disposed of 60.8 percent of the waste generated, of which 39.2 percent was recycled. Of the disposed material, 43 percent was landfilled, 19 percent was incinerated and 38 percent was transported out of state.
The average Maryland citizen disposes of more than seven pounds of trash a day. In visual, hands-on recycling demonstrations, MDE staff brings a transparent trash can to show students how after sorting through paper, plastic and cans, only four items remain for landfill transport.
The Lonely Life of a Soda Can
If you throw an aluminum can away in the trash can, it can stay in the landfill for more than 500 years before it decomposes. Alternatively, if you recycle an aluminum can, it takes about six weeks for the aluminum to be recycled and made into a new soda can. With the way humans are crowding the earth, would you rather wait 500 years or six weeks?
The Transparent Trashcan
A hands-on waste sorting activity helps students understand how to recycle, followed by a group discussion and a story that incorporates all of the discussion points. A multi-media presentation reinforces with visuals to help students retain what they learned.
Grades K-4 visual media presentation on:
Grades 5-8 receive visual media presentation that discusses:
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What is your environment
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How we use our environment
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What MDE does
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Environmental pollution & litter prevention
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Waste facts
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Recycling process
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Source reduction & reuse
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Buy recycled
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Household hazardous waste
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Hands-on demonstrations include a landfill model, a water quality model, and recycled content products.
Grades 9-12 receive a visual media presentation that discusses:
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The organizational structure of MDE
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The responsibilities and laws associated with waste diversion
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MDE’s recycling initiatives and programs
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Waste generation
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Recycling process
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Source reduction and reuse
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Buying recycled
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Household hazardous waste
Hands-on demonstrations include a landfill model, a water quality model and recycled content products.
MDE is an active participant in a variety of annual events designed to promote a healthy environment including: Maryland Coast Day, Archdiocese of Baltimore Conference for Catholic Educators, Whole Foods Market “Be Green” Day, North East Middle School Earth Day Celebration, Talkin’ Trash Workshop, Fort Meade Earth Day Festival, Kennard Elementary School Water Celebration and Springhill Lake Elementary School Spotlight on Careers Week.
Click here to learn more about MDE’s Education and Outreach programs about recycling.
Click here to learn how to start a recycling program at your school or office.
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