It's estimated that about 13 million tons of plastic and debris are dumped into the ocean yearly. A 2015 study found that at some point, 52% of the world's sea turtles have consumed plastic. To help combat these disturbing facts, one student in O’Neill, Nebraska, organized a school-wide recycling program and we are helping.

As part of a Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) STAR program (Students Taking Action with Recognition), daughter of Andrew, operations technicians in O’Neill, organized a comprehensive recycling program. STAR projects are competitions that combine elements of service and community that can advance to the national level. FCCLA chapters encourage members to participate in STAR competitions.

She chose to organize a recycling program because of how much plastic waste impacts the environment, particularly the ocean. Winnie, who attended a summer camp focused on sea turtles and conservation efforts, has hopes of becoming a marine biologist.

Around 60 students participate in FCCLA. Twice each week during the school year, students will check and empty 10 50-gallon recycling bins that have been placed throughout the school. We sponsored the recycling bins that will be used to collect paper, plastic and cans at the high school. 

After the first week of the recycling bins being available, 3 ½ pounds of aluminum, 5 pounds of plastic and 2 ¾ pounds of paper were collected. 

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