40 • Off icialKidsMag.com JULY 2019
By Karen Rice • Official Kids Mag
We're talking a lot about outer space in this issue, but
what about the planet we call home? We know some
kids who are exploring new ways to take care of
our very own planet Earth!
Kids from 4H clubs in Northwest
Arkansas are becoming quite skilled at
using rather "trashy" art supplies and
turning them into beautiful things.
They're making art with empty plastic
bottles, cans, foam plates, and things
that other people throw away. And
they're cleaning up our home planet,
earth, at the same time.
Recently, they participated in a
centerpiece contest. The challenge?
Use "ugly" trash that they picked up
and turn it into a work of art.
It's part of "Tossed," a program created
by Linda Simpson, Program Assistant for
Urban Stormwater of the Benton County
Arkansas Extension Service. Linda wants to
get kids (and parents too), thinking about litter
and trash. And to inspire them to become part of
the solution. And, of course, to have some fun too.
"This is where it starts," Linda says. "With our kids. They're
really noticing how much trash is being thrown away and learning
about how it finds its way into our waterways and other
natural spaces."
The "creation" begins with trash collection.
The kids go around their community,
neighborhood, schools, parks and public
places and collect trash that people have
thrown out, on the ground, in ditches,
parking lots and anywhere but the
trash or recycle bin.
Then they use a few art supplies,
like paint and glue, to turn the
trash into treasure, in this case, a
centerpiece.
Yenuli W., age 10, from Bentonville
was the first place winner in the
contest. She says she "felt good" and
was "really happy" about winning. But
her FAVORITE part of the art activity was
surprising: "Going around and picking up
trash."
Although Yenuli, a 6th grader at Creekside
Elementary "likes art a lot," she says she really had
fun with the trash collection part.
INNER SPACE:
Local 4H kids take
care of their home planet
