Thursday, August 19, 2010

Ecology Action

Supercool Preschool went on a field trip to the downtown recycling center. We learned a lot and got really dirty in the process. It was super hot and super fun.


First we had to learn about the forklift, since it does the majority of the work around there.


Ella was not too keen on her hat or the plastic sorters.


This was our sweet guide and teacher who helped us to learn about all the great ways things can be reused once they've been left here.


He taught us how to discern between aluminum and steel by using a magnet and stomping with our feet. We were interested to learn that we don't really use tin.


It was fascinating and super hot. Did I already say that?!


Here's my girl, putting away some glossy.


This is block is hot off the crusher. We watched it get removed from the machine with the forklift. So so cool.


My favorite part of the day was when he asked what cars are made of. He was trying to teach us about steel. But Clare kept guessing everything else. Rubber? Plastic? Glass? His point lost, he validated her smarts and laughed heartily. Loved that guy. He was really great with the kids and very good natured, which is remarkable given how hot it is there. Oops. I may have overstated that point.

Did you notice Clare's filthy knees? I wanted to dip Ella in a vat of Lysol when we left. Blech.

I'm am seriously impressed by all the people that work in the recycling industry. You have love and believe in trash to be there. You have to accept on some level, that all that funk has beauty (or at least function) left to give. This mama just doesn't get her hands that dirty anymore. I'm am grateful for the efforts of those dedicated to the process. Our planet is so much greater for it. I hope that as we all grow, we'll get to dig in even more.

Location:Austin, TX