For years, Ms. Journey Blain at Essex Elementary School has welcomed CSWD’s School Outreach Coordinator ‘Recycle’ Rhonda Mace into her art classroom to help teach students how to best care for the planet. Their partnership goes far beyond a simple lesson on recycling and composting. It always culminates in a meaningful, hands-on reuse art project. Past collaborations have included bottle-cap murals, and this year’s project took it a step further with the 5 R’s Scrap Paper ReUse Art Project. That’s right: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Renew, and Respect.
After a lively 30-minute session filled with planet-friendly tips and the importance of the 5 R’s, Ms. Blain guided K–2 students through a schoolwide Scrap Paper ReUse Art activity. Using small bits of leftover paper from previous art projects—shiny pieces, patterned scraps, and everything in between—students cut tiny, color-specific pieces to contribute to a larger collaborative design. Every scrap had potential, and creativity was encouraged.
For five days, students and staff worked together to cut, sort, glue, layer, and bring their colorful compositions to life. At the end of the week, their completed 5 R’s posters were proudly displayed in the cafeteria—a vibrant reminder that everyone plays a role in protecting our planet by choosing to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Renew, and Respect.
Behold the EES Scrap Paper ReUse Art Project 2025
As Ms. Blain often says, “At the center of EARTH is ART.” And this project proved once again that when creativity and sustainability come together, students not only learn—they lead.
Rhonda Mace
School Outreach Coordinator
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Phone: 802-872-8100 x214
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Email: rmace@cswd.net