ISRI and JASON Learning have launched the 2022-23 Youth Video and Poster Contest to build awareness about the value of recycled materials, and the essential benefits of the industry. The theme for this year’s contest is “Recycling: The Key to Sustainability.”

Using a poster or video, participating students will tell the story of a previous life of a product made from recycled materials and explain how the creation of this product is the key to sustainability and why it matters.

Students will identify something made from recycled material, research the recycling journey of that product, and include details about the parts that make up the product. Students are encouraged to imagine how many other items their chosen product could have been before its current form and explain why recycling is the key to sustainability.

The contest is open to all students living in the U.S. and Canada and enrolled in grades K-12 during the 2022-23 school year. One grand prize poster and video will be selected from the three grade bands: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12.

“Equipping tomorrow’s workforce of recycled materials industry professionals begins today,” says Robin Wiener, ISRI President. “This contest provides us with an opportunity to not only engage students in thinking of the recycled materials industry as a future career path, but also understanding the numerous ways recycled materials keep our environment and its vital natural resources protected and preserved for future generations.”

“This is an incredible opportunity for students to learn more about recycled materials and their role in sustainability,” says Eleanor Smalley, president and CEO of JASON Learning.

Entries must be submitted by Friday, December 16, 2022. The grand prize winners will receive a trip to Nashville, Tenn., with a parent or guardian to participate in ISRI’s 2023 Annual Convention and Exposition.

The ISRI-JASON Learning partnership helps promote career opportunities in the recycled materials industry and helps expand knowledge and awareness of the impact and outputs of recycled materials.

ISRI urges all its members to get involved by encouraging youth to participate. Reach out to your local schools, community centers, scouting associations, and other groups, and share the contest on your social media feeds.

Additional information about the contest, including all rules, tips, and how to enter, can be found online.

Body Photo Courtesy of JASON Learning. Lead photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash.

Hannah Carvalho

Hannah Carvalho

Hannah Carvalho is the Editorial Director at ReMA. She's interested in a wide range of topics in the recycled materials industry and is always eager to learn more. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College, where she majored in History and a minored in Creative Writing. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband.