Trash to Treasure competition encourages recycling

In an effort to increase awareness of the consequences of poor environmental practices, Member of Parliament for St Andrew West Rural, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, has introduced a competition for schools in her constituency.

At least 17 schools in St Andrew West Rural will contend for computers and cash prizes through the Trash to Treasure School Environmental Competition.

The initiative, which is the brainchild of Cuthbert-Flynn, has received support from the Spruce Up Jamaica programme.

Spruce Up Jamaica is implemented by the Tourism Product Development Company.

Cuthbert-Flynn believes that the competition will engage and educate primary-level students about the benefits of recycling and converting trash to usable and even wearable products.

Speaking at the launch of the competition on Thursday at the Lawrence Tavern Primary School, Cuthbert-Flynn said that it was her passion for the environment that motivated her to create an initiative that will have long-term benefits and serve as a mechanism to change behaviours and attitudes as it relates to care of the environment.

"This initiative was necessary due to the growing concerns of climate change and its impact on the environment. Our planet continues to see the implications of climate change, such as hotter temperatures, flooding and an increase in hurricanes. Climate change is also a threat to economic growth and sustainability, particularly for vulnerable countries such as our own," she said.