Recycling is class act

The traditional three Rs of education are "reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic."

At the Pasco County school district's Creation Station, the three R's are "reduce, reuse and recycle."

Creation Station, at 7227 Land O' Lakes Blvd., at the district's headquarters, is one of 20 centers in the state dedicated to collecting and finding new life for materials that otherwise might wind up incinerated or in a landfill.

On the first Thursday of most months, Creation Station opens its doors to district teachers and nonprofit organizations so they can grab what they need for children to use in classroom and recreational arts and crafts projects.

Karen Bryant, the district's recycling coordinator, said more than 3,500 pounds of reusable materials have gone out to such projects in the past three months.

The problem is that the success has left the center short on materials as the peak "I-made-it-myself" season rapidly approaches.

Creation Station gets its materials from local businesses and individuals.

Many seemingly useless materials are valuable resources at Creation Station.

The list includes arts and crafts supplies, binders, books, ceramics, compact discs and computer games. Corkboards, decorations, desktop accessories, egg cartons, fabric, file folders, silk or dried flowers and glass jars and vases are among other items welcomed.

Regular contributors to the program include businesses that have a steady flow of raw materials, and individuals interested in helping the environment and schools at the same time.

This time of year, arts and crafts supplies are particularly valued, Bryant said, as are small toys such as those that come with fast-food meals. Children's books and board games in good condition also are handy about now.

Donations are accepted daily. Goodies can be left on the front porch if no one is on duty.

For information, call Bryant at (727) 774-2752 or (813) 794-2752 or e-mail her at kbryant@pasco .k12.fl.us.