Can a third grader make a difference? Ask Lily, a third grader from Titusville, Florida.
“I noticed a lot of recycling materials in our community dumpster” says Lily, a resident of Hidden Cove Townhomes in Titusville. “I wanted to see if I could get people in my community to recycle more and though it would make a good science project for school.”
Twice a week for two months Lily measured the height of materials in Hidden Cove’s recycling bin. After the two months Lily researched the benefits of recycling and created a brochure listing eight good reasons to recycle. She distributed copies of her brochure to every home in Hidden Cove and taped a copy on the door leading into the dumpster.
Lily continued measuring the recycle bins twice a week for two more months. In the end she found recycling at Hidden Cove increase 45% after she sent out her brochure. An additional, unexpected result was the Hidden Cove Homeowners Association replaced Lily’s brochure on the dumpster door with a permanent sign urging residents to recycle.
Lily’s science project went on to win first place at her school science fair. At the Brevard County public schools science fair Lily took first place in the third grade environmental category and was runner-up for overall best of show which is unprecedented for a third grader. She then followed that up with another first place win at the Catholic schools county science fair.
Anglers for Conservation congratulates Lily for her science fair victories. We also want to give her a huge thanks for making a difference in her community and for being such a wonderful inspiration to all of us.
To see Lily’s recycling brochure click here.