City Year Detroit officially kicked off their recycling initiative at Osborn High School, otherwise called “OPrep” by the students and faculty. OPrep is home to four smaller schools that otherwise would have closed. Now functioning as part of the small school initiative, OPrep also has partnered with City Year Detroit, providing extra-curricular activities and opportunities for the kids. Please check out City Year’s website to see what they do. City Year has chapters in 20 different locations across the country. Maxi was happy to help when City Year Detroit asked for a donation of containers to start recycling paper and plastic bottles in the classroom. Educating the students about the advantages of recycling and reusing materials started the event. There was a short discussion about what they do or don’t recycle. Some of the students had no experience recycling whatsoever; while a couple students currently recycle in their homes. Some had even made trips to the recycling center. Following the discussion there was a short video called The Story of Bottled Water (2010)about the myths of bottled water and how its negative impact on the environment. The students split into three groups. Each group had a different task. The first group went to paint and decorate the bins. The second group played games with recycling oriented themes. The third group made yummy snacks like pizza bagels. The students were excited and engaged in the activities and were thankful for the donation of the fiber drums from Maxi. Maxi really enjoyed teaming up with City Year Detroit and the OPrep students to help promote recycling in the classroom. We only have one planet, lets try not to wear it out. Together we can make a difference. Please support local recycling initiatives in your local area.

Students busy decorating / painting.

It was all smiles for Jamia Daniel and Fantajisa Smelley as they painted.