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EAST WINDSOR: Students suggest recycling ideas to township

By David Kilby, Special Writer
   EAST WINDSOR —An essay contest sponsored by the township turned to the young ones in town to hear their suggestions about how to improve their community’s recycling efforts.
   The contest was open to East Windsor students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades, and it told the contestants to sum up their suggestions in 100 to 200 words. Winners were recognized at the Township Council meeting Nov. 27.
   Mayor Janice Mironov said she had a very difficult time picking from the various great ideas shared through the essays.
   ”This is a very important subject,” Mayor Mironov said. “We invite our students to give thought on how to improve recycling in the community.”
   The winners received a certificate of recognition and a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble. They also were invited to read their essays before the public and the council.
   ”Recycling is a vital action to keep the earth clean,” wrote Simrit Grewal, first-place winner.
   She suggested implementing a recycling program in the school district, especially in the elementary schools.
   ”This program should teach students about recycling and have fun, environmentally friendly, green projects involving recycling,” she said.
   She also said schools should use a website to encourage recycling and suggested having a recycling contest in all elementary schools to see which grade level can recycle the most.
   Simrit suggested establishing a fundraiser in town to improve the town’s recycling program.
   ”We all should take action as a community to help our town to be green and clean,” Simrit said.
   Harish Rabindran, the second-place winner, said recycling benefits the environment and the economy of East Windsor.
   He suggested offering a free recycling bin to residents every five years.
   Harish also said the township should conduct annual waste audits and “identify areas of the town that are lagging behind in recycling. Then, target those areas for promoting increased awareness on recycling.”
   Additionally, he suggested using the schools and libraries to promote projects that convert recyclable items into other useful crafts so children can see how recycling can be enjoyable and even fun.
   Third-place winner Rahul Kamat came up with the idea of recruiting neighborhood captains who could promote recycling.
   Rahul said signs encouraging residents to recycle could further increase awareness. In addition to the signs, he recommended placing more bins around the township at parks, schools and other public locations.
   He also believes awarding residents for recycling would be a good incentive for them “because there is always a hope of winning,” Rahul said.