After creating a bird out of recyclable materials, 9-year-old Brett Lambrich, of East Peoria, said he learned a valuable lesson.
“Don’t pollute,” he said, holding his bird made out of a soda bottle, plastic forks and bottle caps. “My favorite part was putting the bottle caps inside.”
The station’s goal was to bring awareness of how birds are harmed by the pollution of plastic.
“I think it’s a great idea,” added his mom, Tricia Lambrich. “You always think about pollution on a larger level with factories. I never thought about how small bottle caps could affect the life of a bird.”
About 150 people took part in environmental activities Thursday evening at the third annual “Green Carnival” inside East Peoria Community High School.
The event lined up with the 40th annual Earth Day, and several stations promoting green ways of life were positioned throughout the commons area.
The event was geared toward grade-school children, said Martin Hobbs, Earth science teacher at the high school.
“The kids are the ones who are going to inherit the problems,” Hobbs said. “I think it’s important that kids these days are exposed to the impact of environmental issues.”
The event also catered to parents, he said.
For instance, volunteers were on hand to talk about the city’s curb-side recycling, and Ameren officials handed out compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Members of the high school’s Environment Hope Club — now 14 years old — also had a booth set up at the carnival.
“We’re handing out information on how to get rid of junk mail,” said Jessica Ennis, co-president of the club, adding that it only cost $20. “It’s our fundraiser for the year.”
Club member Cassie Knight said she believes more people are realizing the importance of recycling.
“And first it was hard to get people on board,” she said. “I’ve seen more people coming to this event each year.”
About 20 high school students also made “green” models of their homes and put them on display for the event.
“I think the kids are getting more excited about it,” said Jodi Tockes, teacher of environmental stewardship at the high school. “It’s been a good student turnout this year.”
