3R’s School Recycling
Kids push forward to help with the
recycling effort.
The Kokua Hawaii Foundation’s 3R’s Recycling Program is provided to Oahu public schools free of charge. We provide all the materials and pay for the bi-monthly pickups by Oahu Community Recycling.
How it Works
Each classroom receives two recycling bins, one yellow bin for cans/bottles/plastic and one green bin for paper/cardboard. Every two weeks student council or environmental club members collect the recyclables from each classroom with large rolling bins. Then the recyclables are picked up by the Oahu Community Recycling pick up service and deposited into your local recycling bin for collection by the City & County of Honolulu. These recyclables are weighed and the income generated comes back to each school!
Materials Provided
Besides the recycling bins and signs for each classroom, teachers also receive a letter that can be read to students that explains the 3 R’s, the 3 R’s song and lyrics by Jack Johnson, a page of interesting recycling facts, an information sheet on what items are recyclable in Hawaii and a Kokua DVD that highlights the program and mission of our foundation. We also have packets with other fun recycling activities for students to do in class or at home.
HI-5 Recycling Drives
With the new Bottle Bill there are now more fundraising opportunities for schools and community groups with recycling drives. In February 2006 we will be adding a yearly HI-5 Recycling Drive to our 3R’s program. Kokua Hawai’i Foundation will be partnering with Reynolds Recycling to host a month-long recycling drive with all our participating schools. Schools can earn up to $6,600 if they fill their trailer with HI-5 recyclables and the contributing students will win fun recycling prizes. For schools motivated to hold more frequent recycling drives please check out the Hawaii Beverage Container Deposit Program Educator’s Guide (PDF) or visit www.hi5deposit.com.
Annual Kokua Calendar/3 R’s Art Contest
The Kokua Hawai’i Foundation holds a yearly 3 R’s Art Contest for all students attending the participating schools. Winners from the art contest have their piece printed in the annual Kokua Calendar.
Participating Schools
‘Aina Haina Elementary School
‘Aikahi Elementary School
Kahuku Elementary School
Kahuku High & Intermediate School
Kapolei Middle School
Keolu Elementary School
Kipapa Elementary School
La’ie Elementary School
Lanikai Elementary School
Niu Valley Intermediate School
Sunset Beach Elementary School
Voyager Public Charter School
Wai’alae Elementary Public Charter School
Waialua Elementary School
Wheeler Elementary School
How to Join
If you are an administrator, teacher, student, or parent and want to bring the recycling program to your school on Oahu, please contact Kaliko, Program Director, (808) 638-5145.
Further Info
If you have any questions or comments about this program, please contact us anytime. We would be happy to provide you with more information on the 3R’s or with other environmental education materials. In turn, we would be happy to learn about any environmental education ideas you might have, so please share those with us as well.
Downloadable Materials
3R’s packet.--In revision; coming soon.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. - The 3 R’s packet contains practical information for teachers and students and the basics of our program.
Recycling_Sign.pdf
This recycling sign lists what is recyclable in Hawaii for use in your classroom.
3RsSong.mp3
The 3 R’s Song, performed by Jack Johnson (song lyrics by Jack Johnson, music adapted from the Schoolhouse Rock song “3 is the Magic Number"). O’ahu schools may request a CD featuring this and other reduce-reuse-recycle songs from the City & County of Honolulu: www.opala.org