In the News
Save the Bottles. Save the Sticks. Save the Planet.
It's never too early (or too late) to make recycling an integral part of classroom life. That's why, in partnership with Wal-Mart®, Elmer's has created America's first program to help teachers and their students recycle their empty glue bottles and glue sticks.
Elmer's Glue Crew Recycling Program is a fun, hands-on way to teach about recycling. As a program member, you'll have access to plenty of helpful recycling-related curriculum and fun projects to keep your kids excited about recycling.
Best of all, you and your students also have the opportunity to win hundreds of great prizes, including Elmer's products and more!
Click here to learn how you can be a part of Elmer's Glue Crew Recycling Program!
Ways to Use Old Holiday Cards
Due to various finishes, embellishments and coatings on holiday cards, they can't be recycled. In addition, St. Jude's Children's Home has discontinued their longtime holiday card recycling program. However, to keep as many cards as possible out of the landfill, we offer six great suggestions for reusing holiday cards:
Postcards and Cards: Cut off the backs of old holiday cards that do not have writing behind the front and use them as postcards. Write a message on the back and attach a postcard stamp. You can also cut images from old cards and paste them on new card stock to make beautiful handcrafted cards.
Gift Tags: Cutouts from old holiday cards can be used to make delightful and creative gift tags. Leave some space around the picture when you cut it so that you can write messages there. Three or four gift tags can be created from a single card. The patterned front with a plain back makes an attractive and practical gift tag. Tip: If you are making more gift tags than you are likely to use, why not make up packs of gift tags and offer to a local Church group or charity to sell at bazaars and fundraising events.
Ornaments: Cut out pretty pictures from the holiday cards and punch a hole at their top. Then put a ribbon through the hole and make a loop. This will make pretty holiday ornaments for your tree. You can also decorate your holiday card ornaments by gluing pretty laces and ribbons around their edges. You can also outline the pictures using sparkle. These recycled holiday card ornaments are so cool, you'll want to make a whole collection!!
Gift Boxes: Make beautiful holiday gift boxes for next year
Recipe Cards: To share a favorite holiday recipe, use an old holiday card as a recipe card. Simply write the recipe on the back, or glue an image from the old card to a new recipe card.
Scrap Booking: Instead of spending for holiday scrapbook materials, cut out images from old holiday cards and use them to create your family's holiday scrapbook.
ECOS Resolutions Supportive of Children's Environmental Health
The Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) recently passed three resolutions supportive of children's environmental health. ECOS is the national non-profit, non-partisan association of state and territorial environmental agency leaders. ECOS' purpose is to improve the capability of state environmental agencies and their leaders to protect and improve human health and the environment of the United States of America.
NCS Research Plan
General Children's Environmental Health
Environmental Triggers of Childhood Asthma
National Geographic Launches Children´s Environmental Site
National Geographic Digital Media and Internet social network site developer Industrious Kid Inc. have developed an online community for children to discuss the environment, nature and culture.
The National Geographic Kids Group is for children ages 8 to 14. It can be found at www.imbee.com/group/natgeokids or accessed through the National Geographic Kids Web site at www.kids.nationalgeographic.com.