 The Anchorage School District instituted a formal recycling program this year, but thanks to a school business partnership between Chugach Optional and Total Reclaim, at least one elementary school has been recycling for years.
It all started in 2005, when Chugach Optional’s Community Assembly president met Total Reclaim’s Larry Zirkle at a sporting event. Larry had an impressive vision for recycling in Alaska, especially as it pertains to education and children. Chugach and Total Reclaim worked together on two electronics recycling events in 2006 and 2007. Larry made beautiful flutes with Chugach students, which were then sold at the school’s Art Night. The funds were donated to Malawi Children’s Village.
Reilly Kosinksi, Education Liaison for Total Reclaim in Anchorage, works closely with Chugach as well. He has made presentations to the school’s Community Assembly about electronics waste, and taught classes to the student council, student body, and Boy Scout troop. Reilly attended Chugach’s Green Star meetings as they worked to become a more environmentally sensitive school. For the past two years, Reilly faithfully transported the school’s recyclable waste to the local recycling center.
Thanks to Total Reclaim and Chugach’s shared mission of stewardship and education, students have a greater awareness for what happens to their trash and a true appreciation for the environment. Total Reclaim’s passion and commitment to a cleaner environment is infectious, and they are an essential part of the Chugach community. |
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Galen Henninger, Mai Linh McNicholas, Reilly Kosinski of Total Reclaim, Paul Marsch, Zoe Bailey and Brenna Moss are recycling supporters. |
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