MILLSTONE — The township will celebrate the 45th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22. Some 720 students from the Millstone Township K-8 School District primary and elementary schools are expected to participate in the annual Earth Day poster contest, according to Lori Maher, who is the town’s Clean Communities coordinator.
Since 1970, Earth Day has sought to bring environmentalists, community leaders, elected officials and citizens together to discuss ways to improve the world, according to the Earth Day Network website.
Township Administrator Maria Dellasala said the poster contest began in 2012.
“It has always been fun to see the posters the children produce,” she said.
Maher has organized the poster contest, but credits a group effort with making it come to fruition.
“This is definitely a group effort which would not be possible without the support of the art teachers and the school system,” she said. “The Township Committee and the Environmental Commission also support this effort and assist with judging.”
The Earth Day poster contest began after a portion of the annual Clean Communities grant was allocated for education about litter abatement.
Maher believes the poster contest is an important way to reinforce educational concepts about protecting the Earth. She wants students to understand littering is harmful to the environment and that it is imperative to recycle and to protect natural resources.
“Earth Day is the day dedicated to environmental awareness and education,” Maher said. “It is an important day because it reminds all of us to be environmentally aware, to protect and conserve our natural resources and to take pride in our community.”
According to Earth Day Network literature, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries will take actions in Earth Day events this year, making it the largest environmental civic action in the world.
This year’s theme, “It’s our turn to lead,” is focused on delivering millions of voices to push global leaders to take action on climate change, the environment and the connection between poverty and climate change.
Maher said the art teachers work with the students and provide guidance on creating the posters. Winners will receive Barnes & Noble gift cards.
Each student will receive a pencil made from recycled newspaper with the saying “Make Every Day Earth Day” and a bookmark with a detachable piece of seed paper containing wild flower seeds that can be planted in a flower pot or in the ground.
Dan Specht, the township’s recycling coordinator, will join the members of the Environmental Commission in judging the posters. Following the contest, the posters will be on display at Millstone’s schools to serve as an artful reminder to protect the environment.