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Pencils For Plastics Overview

Pencils for Plastics Drives are a fantastic way to engage the children of your community in raising awareness and cleaning their environment. P4P Drives can be held by groups such as schools, churches, or community-based organizations, or individuals. At a P4P Drive, children collect waste on an established date, bring the garbage to an identified site, and receive a pencil, notebook, sapling, or any other “award” of your choice in exchange for the waste they have collected.

To get started:

  • Identify adult organizer(s).
  • Identify a site to collect and store the plastic waste.
  • Decide on a date and time to hold the drive. Perhaps begin with a 2-4 hour collection window.
  • Gather a team of adults or older students to assist on the day of the drive.
  • Publicize the event throughout your community.
  • Purchase school supplies, saplings or any other “award” that will be given in exchange for plastic waste.
  • Visit the Waste Free in ‘23 Facebook Group for additional ideas.

On the day of the drive:

  • Collect garbage in a central location from children/community members and reward participants with a school supply or sapling.
  • Conduct 30-minute workshops throughout the collection window to educate participants on the harmful effects of plastic waste and pollution, in order to raise awareness within the community.
  • Appoint a photographer to chronicle the event with photos and video.

After the Drive:

  • Coordinate with micro-recycling center in your area for processing
  • Post your success on the Waste Free in ’23 Facebook Group!

If you have any questions, contact: