SJ schools compete for recycled playground

MOUNT LAUREL – Two Mount Laurel schools are among hundreds on the East Coast competing to win a playground made from recycled materials such as old toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes.

The second annual Recycled Playground Challenge — sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive, ShopRite and TerraCycle, a recycling company — was launched in March at schools throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut and New York.

The schools earn one "playground credit" for each shipment of empty toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes and floss containers sent to TerraCycle by students and teachers, and one credit for every vote cast for the schools online at www.terracycle.com/colgateshopriteplayground by June 13.

As of Saturday, Countryside Elementary School was No. 13 on the voting list, while Harrington Middle School was No. 18. Another Burlington County school, Hawthorne Park Elementary in Willingboro, was No. 8. No other tri-county school is in the top 40. The grand prize is a new playground.

Countryside Principal Lori Zataveski said her school has worked with TerraCycle over the years through a parent contact, Kate Esaia, and is thrilled to be a part of the competition for a second year.

They've already sent trash to TerraCycle so it can be recycled and used for other materials.

"Through our playground points, TerraCycle awarded our new learning garden with recycled benches, a table, a trash container and bicycle racks," Zataveski said. "We came in second place last year during the ShoprRite/Colgate playground contest and are trying again this year. If we win, we will be given new playground equipment made from recycled oral care waste."

TerraCycle, whose headquarters is in Trenton, creates waste collection programs for previously non-recyclable or difficult-to-recycle waste and turns it into new products such as playgrounds; park benches; or upcycled backpacks, toys and office products.

Zataveski said the competition is a good example for students about the importance of saving the Earth through recycling efforts.

"This contest affirms for the students the importance of making new items out of trash that would otherwise wind up in a landfill," she said. "Our students are learning 21st century life skills, as well as understanding the importance of being green and preserving our Earth."

Celeste E. Whittaker: (856) 486-2437; cwhittaker@courierpostonline.com

Cast your vote

To support a school in the Recycled Playground Challenge, vote online through June 13 at www.terracycle.com/colgateshopriteplayground