The Green Team is a state-funded initiative to promote recycling and waste reduction by educating students.
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Youth Center Inc.'s Green Team members made ornaments for Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District members, commissioners, and vendors.
The gifts this year not only graced Christmas trees but offered a simple reminder: recycle.
"The kids had a great time, got a better understanding of recycling, separation, and dual stream processes," the waste district's Program Director Linda Cernik said. "We hope what the kids learn they bring home with a better understanding of recycling."
Thirteen towns in Berkshire County are members of the waste management district and earlier this year the district started the Green Team initiative and partnered with local schools.
The Green Team is a state educational program designed to empower students and teachers to help the environment through waste reduction, recycling, composting, energy conservation and pollution prevention.
Cernik said they started making the ornaments, which resemble recycling bins, in December. She said they are made out of cinnamon and applesauce.
Students learned about recycling and were asked, "what is recycling and what does it mean to you?"
Tristan, age 12, said, "It is when you reuse an old material that can be used for something newer and modern. Recycling highers your self-esteem and helps save the planet. You feel better when you do good things."
Madilyn, age 7, said, "It is where something that you don't use anymore goes somewhere and they make inventions with the garbage. You can recycle bottles and cans and make something out of it."
Ryan, age 12, said, "Recycling means putting paper in the bin. If you recycle you can save the earth."
Jewelz, age 8, said, Throwing stuff away could kill the trees and then the animals will die and we will have no food. You should recycle so this does not happen."
Cernik said the ornaments were given to district board members, vendors, residents, and even the North Adams City Council as the city is looking to rejoin the district.
The district has more in store for the Green Team and when the weather gets better, plans to take the children on a trip to the Cheshire Transfer Station.
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Hoosac Valley Schools Welcome Students, Ratify MOU With Teachers
By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee this week ratified a new memorandum of understanding with the teachers' union regarding the resumption of in-class learning.
Children in Grades kindergarten through 5 returned to schools April 5 as required by the state. Like many districts, the Adams-Cheshire schools had been shifting between hybroid and remote.
The Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee this week ratified a new memorandum of understanding with the teachers' union regarding the resumption of in-class learning.
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The Selectmen and Finance Committee continued their budget discussions last week and, before finalizing expenditures, the Finance Committee requested more information on various line items. click for more
The Route 8 location features an expanded showroom and shops, employs an additional mechanic, and will be taking on new and different product lines to better serve customers.
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The committee took one last look at the fiscal 2022 budget Monday night and voted to accept the $20,228,715 spending plan that although is not in line with long-term educational goals, fits into Adams' budget.
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Interim Town Administrator Mark Webber told the selectmen Tuesday that the Department of Public Health is happy with the town's vaccination rates among residents 65 and older. click for more