City of Lubbock recycling supervisor, Morgan Ercanbrack, said they selected North Ridge because it is located near the drop off recycling site at 10th and Milwaukee. She said the book, Curious George: Trash to Treasure by Bethany V. Freitas, as well as the activity books, book marks and stickers, are given to get students thinking about the part they can play in recycling.

“It is important to inspire our upcoming generation to reduce the amount of waste produced,” Ercanbrack said. “We want to encourage young minds to seek innovative ways to reuse or recycle materials in order to be better stewards of the earth.”

Ercanbrack said that the book given to students challenges students to reconsider what we label trash.

“The history of waste and how humans use and produce items is complex, from way back to where every item had a purpose, to burning waste, then burning it in landfill,” Ercanbrack said. “Recycling is the innovative way to save resources, money, and protect the environment.”

Ercanbrack explained that typically is takes less raw materials and energy to use recycled materials rather than process and make new products.

“Challenging others to reduce waste, and rethink how they can repurpose items is an important step in environmental protection,” Ercanbrack said.

Ercanbrack said that there are several ways we can do our part:

• Buy used. You can find everything from clothes to building materials at specialized reuse centers and consignment shops. Often, used items are less expensive and just as good as new.
• Repair items to continue using them instead of buying new ones.
• Consider donating unwanted items from clothing, to toys, and household products all can find a new home through donation.
• Resale and buying used is a great way to save some money and the environment.
• Look for products that use less packaging. When manufacturers make their products with less packaging, they use less raw material. This reduces waste and costs. These extra savings can be passed along to the consumer. Buying in bulk, for example, can reduce packaging and save money.
• Buy reusable over disposable items. Look for items that can be reused; the little things add up. Try reusable straws, grocery bags, and even snack bags.

Ercanbrack said that the City of Lubbock is always looking for ways to involve their outreach and education programs in schools and community programs to present information on waste reduction and recycling.

“The City of Lubbock is dedicated to establishing a better world for tomorrow,” Ercanbrack said. “We offer solutions for waste minimization including ten recycling sites and four Citizen Drop-Off sites for simple disposal of larger household items.  For additional question about the recycling outreach and education program, please contact us at [email protected].”