Young student uses artistic flair to spread recycling message

National Recycling Week 2011 (November 7 – 13)

A Hobart primary school student has unleashed her creative talents to spread the word on the
importance of recycling to other schools across the State, as part of National Recycling Week
2011.

St Michael’s Collegiate student Kate Smyth has won the Veolia Children’s Design Competition for
her design concept for the organisation’s new Recycling Education Vehicle, launched today by
Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage the Hon Brian Wightman.

The vehicle will tour the State visiting schools to promote important environmental messages and
educate young Tasmanians on the correct ways to recycle, facilitated by Veolia’s Recycling
Education Officers.

Collegiate Middle School Teacher Sam Judd said Kate and her classmates had taken an immediate
interest in the competition and had worked tirelessly on several different design ideas.

“The students gained a lot from learning about recycling in a fun and creative way and it’s great to
see Veolia finding innovative ways to educate our younger generations about the importance of
looking after our environment,” Miss Judd said.

“The girls had a wonderful time working on a number of design concepts and we’re thrilled to see
Kate’s winning entry being selected for the vehicle.”

Kate will not only get to see her design painted on the van, but she has also won an Apple iPad
and $1,000 for her school.

Now in its 16th year, National Recycling Week (NRW) is an established and highly regarded annual
education and behaviour change campaign, aiming to improve the environmental benefits of
kerbside, industrial and community recycling programs.

Veolia Group General Manager David Beard said to coincide with NRW, Veolia had also developed
an online educational and interactive microsite for schools, providing a raft of games and tools for
students.

“Veolia believes in the value of educating the next generation on the importance of recycling and
our new online educational resources allow young students to further their knowledge in a fun
and interactive way,” Mr Beard said.

“This, paired with today’s launch of our new Recycling Education Vehicle today, will really help us
to drive home the responsible recycling message.”

The new resource can be viewed at: www.veoliaes.com.au/nationalrecyclingwk

Veolia is one of Australia’s leading environmental services companies with over 30 years industry
experience in implementing effective, innovative and sustainable waste management and
industrial services solutions.
Veolia Environmental Services