Identifying paper overuse as a major school problem, a special education student team responded to this challenge by applying recycling guidelines to an entrepreneurial model. Students visited a recycle center and a plastics museum to assess how discarded material can evolve into useful and/or aesthetic objects. They hosted representatives from a company that recycles office waste. With a college Vista volunteer, they tested local water and published results for the school community. Then organizing and conducting a student-run collection of discarded classroom paper, they brainstormed ways to reuse this waste product. After researching and sharing the history of paper making, they constructed a giant paper tree from recycled paper; made hundreds of origami miniatures (with help from Chinese students in our school unit), and personalized Chinese calligraphy art on handmade paper. A Recycling Fair involved the entire school. Turning trash to treasure helps communities and can lead to career opportunities.
