In Rockville, at the recent Students' Waste Reduction-Reuse-Recycling Poster Contest Recognition Ceremony, organized by Montgomery County's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), K–12 students were celebrated for their artistic responses to environmental issues. The contest, which has a storied history in the county, has evolved into a more comprehensive focus on not just recycling, but on waste reduction and reuse as well, mirroring the county's zero-waste ambitions.
The contest, which received 155 entries from students across 27 different schools, was praised by County Executive Marc Elrich for addressing the pressing issue of climate change. "I want to thank all the students who took part in this contest; it is clear that they get the sense of urgency to combat climate change," Elrich said, according to a press release from the Montgomery County. He also noted that the contest illustrates that "reducing waste, cutting down on single-use plastics and reusing materials aren’t abstract ideas." Elrich commended parents, teachers, and judges who supported the students, recognizing the hope they offer for the future.
This year's theme zeroed in on single-use plastics and challenged students to visualize solutions, especially within school environments. The number of submissions marks a record for the contest since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, signifying a growing engagement and awareness among the youth regarding environmental sustainability.
DEP Director Jon Monger expressed admiration for the students' dedication to environmental advocacy. "I am so impressed by our students who continue to inspire us with their passion, creativity and deep understanding of environmental stewardship," Monger shared in the Montgomery County press release.
