Iowa Elementary Students Create Green Future Posters for Contest

Texas-based Red River Waste Solutions teamed up with Council Bluffs Recycling Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to host its fifth annual poster contest, which allows children to learn about recycling and the environment through a creative outlet. 

This year, third and fourth graders from 12 local schools participated in the contest, which featured a theme of “imagine a green future.” Together, the local schools submitted 23 entries, which were reviewed and selected by the schools’ art teachers.

The 23 entries were then judged by the Council Bluffs City Council, and four winning posters were chosen to be displayed on Red River’s recycling collection trucks next year. In addition to the honorary displays, the winners also received cash prizes sponsored by Red River Waste Solutions for their schools’ art departments. First place received $1,250, second place $1,000, third place $750 and fourth place $500.

“Both the students and teachers enjoy participating in the contest, and it’s wonderful for the students to see their pictures on our recycling collection trucks,” says Council Bluffs Recycling Center Education Coordinator Shannon Meister. “Working with Red River has been a great partnership, and this program helps build ownership in both the community and recycling.”

The 2016 contest winners are:

First place: Abigail Larsen, fourth grade, College View Elementary School.

Second place: Gwenyth Sudario, fourth grade, Edison Elementary School.

Third place: Addilyn Branon, fourth grade, College View Elementary School.

Fourth place: Kevin Nguyen, fourth grade, Rue Elementary School.

The winners will also be celebrated in the upcoming Celebrate CB parade, which will include the contest winners, Council Bluffs Recycling Center staff members and a Red Rivers recycling truck outfitted with the winning posters.

All of the posters entered into the contest are currently on display at the Council Bluffs Public Library.