Recently, the Crayola company has discovered a sufficient way to recycle their markers by converting them into clean fuel. This fuel can be used to power boilers, ships, and cars. Crayola, the New York clean energy company JBI, and around 600 schools nationwide have teamed up to create the Colorcycle Initiative; under which the Crayola company makes the markers, the schools use them, and then the used markers are sent to JBI to be melted, compressed, and converted into fuel through special machines. For most things, the fuel can be used as-is, but for transportation vehicles, a lubricating additive is needed in the fuel so the engines don't get damaged.
This new way of producing fuel is beneficial and resourceful for several reasons. For one thing, it's practically impossible to recycle these markers since the only recyclable part of the marker is the outer plastic cover. Thus, pretty much all of these markers just wind up in landfills. This is really pretty wasteful, when you think about how bad it is already that only 8-9% of plastic in America is actually recycled, while the rest of it is put in landfills (yikes!). Another benefit of this fuel is that when used to power cars and other vehicles, it is much less damaging to the environment; since it doesn't produce the pollutive fumes like regular fuel.
The contributing schools to the Colorcycle Initiative receive lesson plans on sustainability to teach to the children "so they're able to help them understand how they can take an active role in improving their environment," quotes Peter Ruggiero, the executive vice president for global operations.
In my opinion, the sustainability lessons are a bit pointless. The kids are kids after all - they're not going to really remember everything that they learned, nor will they really want to do anything for the environment since they're only kids and aren't really concerned with or interested by those sorts of things. Perhaps it might be a good start to get them in the right mindset about caring for the environment, but all in all, I think it's sort-of a waste of time and money.
Apart from that, I think the idea of using old crayons to make fuel is a great, resourceful, non-wasteful idea that is beneficial to the environment and all the people in it. I'm blown away by the intelligence of the people who came up with the idea and I hope this will continue to be done not only in America, but possibly in other countries as well. Yay resourcefulness!
Here's the link: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/09/03/work-art-crayola-turning-markers-into-fuel/
I think it is great they're teaching the children at a young age because over time the knowledge will accumulate and affect their decisions later on in life. Also, I find the idea incredibly innovative and something we should consider collecting at booker.
ReplyDeleteThis type of innovative and resourceful thinking is something we need much more of in this country and the world. A small development such as this is a much more efficient and productive use of our resources. This reminds us that there are a multitude of things that we throw away that could be recycled.
ReplyDeleteI think its great to start teaching young. Of course these lessons aren't actually called sustainability lessons to the children. Its probably called, "Earth Is Home" or "Love the World" or something along these lines. I'm sure its just giving basic facts that they can build upon later in life. Besides, saving the world is a group effort, we all need to learn it. Can Booker T. get this program? We do use a lot of markers in Mrs. countryman's class...
ReplyDeleteI disagree with what you had to say about the environment education. I think that it is very important to teach young kids because they still think about the wonder and beauty of the earth and by giving them a simple foundation in recycling I believe their generation can benefit.
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