Earth Day 2010

It was cold. Really cold. But not cold enough to dampen the spirits and enthusiasm of Sierra Ridge Middle School’s Student Council in their pursuit to inform the community about the impact of plastic bag disposal on our planet on Earth Day 2010 in Pollock Pines.

The name of the project is Plastic Reduction and Education Operation. It is headed up by Jesse Brown, 8th grade student at Sierra Ridge Middle School with Eric Schlavin as his mentor and sponsor. After their research on the environmental impact on using plastic bags while shopping, the students chose the slogan, “Change the World, 1 Bag at A Time”. Their long-term goal is to work with businesses and government agencies, as well as individuals, to reduce or eliminate plastic bag use.

The Earth Day event began with a presentation at the school auditorium about plastic bag reduction and proceeded to the Safeway store to talk to consumers, give away free reusable cloth bags, information and even seeds and seedlings promoting the “go green” theme. Congratulations are in order to these youth making a difference and to the Grants Advisory Board for Youth (GABY) for their hard work and decision to fund this worthwhile project.