The Dumpster Divers, a team of six Broadalbin Perth High School students, will compete in the 10th annual Lexus Eco Challenge, a national contest that encourages middle and high school students to develop and implement environmental programs that positively impact their communities.
The Dumpster Divers — which includes Christina Lin, Andie VanWormer, Madison Fagant, Kyler Mangulis, Jessie Brooks and Julie Capito — are aiming to educate Broadalbin-Perth and the surrounding communities about making their sporting events more environmentally friendly. They have been attending various sporting events and recording how much of what is thrown away is recyclable. They plan to use the data to educate the public about their current waste habits. The Dumpster Divers plan to place recycling bins at the sporting events for the public’s use. The team plans to return bottles and cans with deposits and donate the proceeds to human rights and environmental protection programs.
The community is invited to support the team’s action plan by attending the Go Orange girls soccer game at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 5, the Pink Out boys soccer game at 7 p.m. Oct. 8, and the Broadalbin-Perth Homecoming football game at 7 p.m. Oct, 14. All events are held at Patriot Field.
At each event, the Dumpster Divers will be hosting a booth with games and prizes. Information also will be provided to local residents on what can be recycled in both Fulton and Montgomery counties.
Lexus and Scholastic will choose 16 winning teams nationwide in the Lexus Eco Challenge. Each team will receive a total of $10,000 in grants and scholarships. All winning teams from this challenge and one other challenge will be invited to participate in the final challenge for a chance to win one of two grand prizes of $30,000 in grants and scholarships. Eight first-place prizes of $15,000 in grants and scholarships also will be awarded.
For more information about the Dumpster Divers’ plan or to volunteer, contact Sarah Webster at websters@bpcsd.org.