Department of Environmental Protection Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo Wednesday joined students and faculty from eight Norristown area schools in the opening of “Tossed & Found,” an exhibit of student work made from repurposed and recyclable materials.

At an opening reception on April 29 in DEP’s Southeast Regional Office, Abruzzo told students, their teachers, and local government and recycling industry officials that the students’ work reflects a mindset that is needed to develop innovative approaches to managing waste.

“As a society, we have to get serious about reducing the amount of trash we generate, and what we can and should reuse or recycle. The students had fun with this challenge, while learning real lessons about the choices we all make,” Abruzzo said.

The exhibit, which will be on display through June at 2 E. Main St., Norristown, has received public and private support from a variety of enthusiastic partners.  Sponsorship for the opening of Tossed & Found and event coordination was provided by Waste Management of PA.

The project was embraced by art teachers from Paul Fly Elementary, Cole Manor Elementary, Gotwals Elementary, Hancock Elementary, Whitehall Elementary, Eisenhower Science & Technology Leadership Academy, East Norriton Middle School and Norristown Area High School.

Many of the participating classes were visited by Montgomery County’s Recycling Manager, Veronica Harris, to provide recycling education to complement the art experience.

“The skills that these students learn from their art classes – creativity, confidence, problem-solving, perseverance, focus, collaboration and accountability – are the same skills that will help all of us improve our daily lives,” Abruzzo noted.

The student’s work process and their final products have been filmed by Norristown Area High School’s Eagle Eye and will be available to view on the School District’s education channel.  

5/5/2014