When Chelsea Amaio was 11, she placed boxes in the hallways to recycle newspapers for an assignment. Her project was such a success that it was implemented throughout her school district.

What kind of philanthropic or volunteer work did/do you do?

Chelsea: When I was in fifth grade, we had a community service assignment to do that had to be six hours.

What is the name and location of the organization?

Chelsea: New Britain Public School System

Tell us about the project, especially who benefited from this work.

Chelsea: When I was about 11 years old, I noticed that my school didn't have any recycling bins for the stacks of newspapers being delivered to classrooms. I started putting boxes in the hallways for teachers to drop off their newspapers. They soon became overfilled! By the end of the year, my principal was so surprised and happy about the outcome of the recycling bins, he told the superintendent about them, who had them installed in every classroom of the school district! I was only 11 years old, and since then, think about how much paper I have recycled! It wasn't a very hard job to undertake, but it has helped the environment and landfills so much! If your school system doesn't have them, isn't it about time they should??

What inspired you to get involved?

Chelsea: When my teacher instructed me and a friend to throw a bundle of newspapers out, we divided them up and brought them home to be recycled in our home recycling systems because we knew it was bad not to recycle. This made me determined to change the way papers were handled in the school because otherwise, thousands of papers were being thrown out daily!

What is/was the best thing about your experience?

Chelsea: The best thing about my experience is I now know that just because something isn't being done, doesn't mean it's right. Once the recycling bins were put in, everyone was surprised that someone hadn't come up with it before! It also taught me not to be afraid of an idea I have just because I don't think anyone else has it. Often times, others have the same idea; they just don't have the courage to share it.

What is/was the hardest part?

Chelsea: Sharing my idea in the beginning! I was afraid people were going to say no to it, but they loved it!

What was the biggest surprise?

Chelsea: How many newspapers that weren’t being recycled!

What new things have you learned as a result of your experience and how have you changed as a result?

Chelsea: I've changed because I feel like a better person whenever I see a recycling bin in school. I know I got those there, and I know the environment is a healthier place now.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of getting involved in philanthropy or volunteering?

Chelsea: DON'T BE AFRAID!!! The rewards far outweigh the negatives! Just hold your head high and go with your gut feeling!

Related Links:

Georgia-Pacific's Paper Recycling Teacher Discussion Guide
Earth 911's Office Recycling Program Guidelines

Also, try searching the Internet for "school paper recycling program" or your local government's website for recycling or waste management programs.

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