Earth Day is right around the corner and, in the spirit of reduce, reuse and recycle, Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES) pre-k – eighth grade students got a chance to create art pieces out of recycled plastic. 

The activity was led by Rockland-based artist Kim Bernard and funded by a grant through Education Boothbay. Bernard, whose art focuses on environmental messaging, has been leading pop-up recycling workshops since 2020 with the help of her plastic shredder and extruder. Along with the hands-on aspect, Bernard educates students on the life cycles of plastics and other single-use items.  

“(It’s important for students to) understand how their consumption affects our environment.” 

However, Bernard frames the lesson through an “empowerment” lens: teaching how students can reduce their environmental footprint by changing their habits, such as using refillable water bottles or thrifting their clothes. 

Now, here’s the fun part. First, students cut up recycled milk jugs (which they’ve been compiling since Thanksgiving) to place in Bernard’s shredder. Second, the shredded plastic goes into the extruder, and paint pigment is added. The machine melts the plastic into a now colorful malleable tube that students can shape. Better be quick! The plastic cools much faster than expected. Finally, their creation is added to the giant student-designed recycle symbol.  

According to Bernard, the ability for students to engage with recycling creativity and get excited is the final piece of the puzzle: “They’re learning it all by doing it.” 

The art piece will be on display during the Student Art Show at Boothbay Region Art Foundation. The opening reception is on Friday, May 9, 4-6 p.m. The showi runs until Sunday, May 19.