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May 2, 2012 For more information, contact:
Solid waste district announces winners in Earth Day poster, electronic art and trash art contest ST. JAMES—One hundred and sixteen students were honored for their entries in the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District's 2012 Earth Day Poster and Trash Art Contest. Some 625 entries—474 posters, 27 electronic posters and 124 trash art creations—were received from 20 schools in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps and Washington counties. Earth Day was April 22, and winning entries were exhibited at the Missouri University of Science and Technology’s Earth Day celebration April 20 on the Rolla campus. This is the twentieth year that Ozark Rivers has sponsored the contest. These poster and trash art contests are a part of the district's effort to increase awareness of the solid waste problem and to generate interest in reducing the amount of waste deposited in area landfills. Education and awareness are key components of the district's solid waste management plan. In the past, banks have provided savings bonds as prizes, but because of changes in how savings bonds can be acquired, that is no longer possible. This year, the co-sponsors have provided monetary donations for prizes. Co-sponsors include Peoples Bank of Cuba, Legends Bank of Linn, Maries County Bank of Vienna, Citizens Bank of Newburg, Community Bank of Owensville, Town & Country Bank of St. James, Phelps County Bank of Rolla, Security Bank of Pulaski County of Waynesville, The Bank of Salem, Belle State Bank, Town & Country Bank of Rolla, Bay-Hermann-Berger Bank of Hermann, The Missouri Bank of Hermann as well as the Hermann Chamber of Commerce and the St. James Chamber of Commerce. “Our entry numbers were down slightly this year, but the quality of the work was extremely good, and that made judging very difficult and time-consuming,” said Tammy Snodgrass, environmental programs manager for Meramec Regional Planning Commission. “We had some very creative posters, and the trash art was wonderful. We were amazed at the creativity of some of these students," said Teri Smith, MRPC environmental specialist, who coordinated this year’s program. “We want to thank the teachers that helped their students participate and helped their students to be more aware of recycling.” This year’s theme was “Saving Tomorrow’s World Today: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Both the poster and trash art contests were open to K-12 grades, and students could enter both contests. The district’s new category of electronic art, or art created on a computer, was open to all students including high school, trade school, or college students. One first and second-place winner was chosen from all grades entering this category. First-place winners will receive an earth-friendly gift valued at $25; second-place winners will receive an earth-friendly gift valued at $15. Every student that participates will receive a small token. Certificates will be awarded for honorable mentions. The Ozark Rivers District has developed a solid waste management plan to reduce by 40 percent the amount of waste deposited in area landfills. The district’s plan focuses primarily on recycling, education and assisting large generators with waste reduction. MRPC provides day-to-day administration to Ozark Rivers and carries out its programs. Persons needing solid waste information should contact Tammy Snodgrass at (573) 265-2993 or by email at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org |