A sustainability contest, The Igniting Creative Energy Challenge, sponsored and funded by a grant from Johnson Controls, Inc., with support from Philips and the United States Energy Association awarded a sixth grader with the winning entry. Matthew Belz, a sixth grader at Hastings Middle School in the Upper Arlington (Ohio) City School District, was one of three students that won for his sustainable ideas in this educational competition. Matthew provided an environmentally friendly alternative to his schools use of polystyrene trays - the alternative proposed by Matthew is sugar cane fiber trays which are more environmental and cost approximately the same as the current polystyrene ones. Matthew stated that, "I was motivated to enter this challenge because I have a passion for recycling," and he accurately point out that "... the project has had an impact on my life. I learned about polystyrene, landfills, biodegradable products, cost analysis, and even how to make a movie on my computer!" Unbelievable what a sixth grader can accomplish. Matthew's ideas are now being reviewed by School officials to see if it is viable to have the school trays changed. 

The Igniting Creative Energy Challenge is open to students from kindergarten to grade 12 in both Canada and the U.S. Students are asked to submit projects that reflect means of practising energy efficiency and sustainability at either home, school, or in their community. The winners: 3 students and 1 teacher receive a trip to Hawaii and the opportunity to participate in the Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, D.C. The other winners have not yet been announced. Once this occurs, the winning entries will be posted at http://www.ignitingcreativeenergy.org.  

Read the full story at Johnson Controls

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