From the moment the first European settlers stepped foot in New Jersey – until this very day – people have had to deal with the issue of trash. How best to control it, handle it and dispose of it has been addressed by every generation, each in its own way.

To coincide with the 350th anniversary of the state, the New Jersey Clean Communities Council has produced an educational video and lesson plan called “The History of Trash.” The video, now available for free download on TeacherTube.com, is designed to educate students and the community at-large about how the state dealt with trash from its early beginnings through the modern-day recycling movement.

The video also focuses on the colorful history of the New Jersey Clean Communities Council, a statewide, comprehensive, litter-abatement program created by the passage of the Clean Communities Act in 1986. The video focuses on the councilâ€s mission of educating the public about litter through such programs as Adopt-a-Highway, Adopt-a-Beach, an annual Student Environmental Exchange and an annual three-day conference.

The video is available at: www.njclean.org/history-of-trash.html. The New Jersey Clean Communities Council has also developed a classroom lesson plan, in conjunction with the film, aimed for students in middle and high schools. The lessons are aligned with the stateâ€s Common Core standards.

“We believe teachers will greatly appreciate this lesson, as it is so relevant to the communities where their students live,” said Sandy Huber, executive director of the New Jersey Clean Communities Council. “We would be happy to work with school districts to present this program, as one of our key goals is to engage more young people to become involved in our programs throughout New Jersey.”

Huber noted the “History of Trash” program could hopefully prompt schools, clubs and organizations to coordinate local volunteer cleanups of waterways, beaches, greenways and other areas with support from the New Jersey Clean Communities Council. Last year, there were 18,700 volunteers participating in 760 waterway cleanups, picking up 1,930 tons of trash, 34 tons of recyclables and 8,300 tires across New Jersey.
Video Available for Free Download on TeacherTube.com
Learn more at njclean.org

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