Students have been hard at work in art class making posters for the “Take Care of Texas” Art Contest!

K-5 students are asked to submit a unique piece of artwork portraying positive ways to take care of Texas, all while learning about ways to protect the environment and conserve our state’s natural resources. 16 winners will be chosen, one from each of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) 16 regional offices.

As children create their art pieces, they are asked to think about ways that they can make a difference in protecting our resources and making smart choices for a better tomorrow. Some of TCEQ’s suggestions include:

• Turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth and taking shorter showers
• Recycling empty cans, bottles, and other containers (something we do at school, too!)
• Composting food scraps and lawn trimmings (have you seen our Elementary compost bin?)
• Using reusable containers for lunch and drinks (most of the staff and students already have this one checked off!)
• Turning off and unplugging electronics when not in use
• Sharing or donating clothes, books, and toys that you’ve outgrown (talk to your Room Parent about a toy or clothing swap)
• Using both sides of a piece of paper before recycling it

Although these seem like small actions to take, they can have a BIG impact!

• One ton of paper made from recycled paper saves up to 17 trees and uses 50% less water
• A water-efficient showerhead means a seven-minute shower uses less water than a full bath
• Recycled plastic bottles can become fleece, sleeping bags, backpacks, or even clothes and carpet
• Recycled plastic bags are used to make plastic “lumber” for park benches, outdoor structures, and even playgrounds!

Visit takecareoftexas.org to learn more ways that children and their families can help take care of Texas and take small steps to lead to big changes. Ask your child what other ideas they might have for reducing waste, reusing items for craft projects or new uses, and recycling things we might otherwise put in the trash.

“There is no description, no image in any book that is capable of replacing the sight of real trees, and all the life to found around them, in a real forest. Something emanates from those trees which speaks to the soul, something no book, no museum is capable of giving” – Dr. Maria Montessori

By becoming better stewards of the earth today and teaching our children those same good habits, we can help ensure that the forests, rivers, and landscapes that we hold so dear will be there to be enjoyed for generations to come.