(Great news on a story we've been following. This group also inspired my Earth Hero group to start our own petition to Newell Rubbermaid, makers of Expo Markers to get them to recycle these widely used educational tools. Please sign our petition as well!)
After a group of California elementary school students gathered more than 90,000 signatures on a Change.org petition asking Crayola to “make its mark” on recycling, the crafts manufacturer has announced plans for “ColorCycle” -- a program the company says will accept used markers and convert them into a liquid fuel source.
The elementary school’s “Green Team” launched the popular campaign after discussing ways they could make a positive impact on the environment during an after school meeting. Over the next twelve months, thousands of Crayola consumers, parents, and students joined the group’s campaign, which received coverage from the Associated Press, NBC, and numerous other national news outlets.
“Seeing the expression on the students’ faces when they heard was priceless,” said parent and Green Team advisor Land Wilson. “A year ago, they asked a company they love to step up and do the right thing. What’s happened since has reached beyond what we imagined possible: thousands of signatures on their Change.org petition, major media coverage, endorsements, all because a small group of elementary school students from San Rafael asked them to help make the world a healthier, safer place.”
In a letter to Land Wilson announcing the ColorCycle program, Crayola explained that it will promote and facilitate the process of turning old markers into a source of energy via a conversion facility.
"I hope Crayola will provide more information about their process,” Wilson added. “What I've seen from my kids is real desire to learn about the science behind these initiatives. Crayola has an opportunity to train kids not just to help kids be creative, but to foster the next generation of environmental scientists."










