St. Juliana School has been participating in the Cartridges for Kids® recycling program since October of 2000. That’s 7 years! When asked if there is any particular reason why they’ve been so consistent; Diane Laske, coordinator of the program, stated very succinctly; “it’s easy and brainless”. And just a hair short of $9000 in earnings later, no wonder she happily continues!!

How do they do it? Once again in her words: easy. They faithfully distribute fliers the beginning of every Fall term. They have a recycling link on their school web-site. (They are avid recyclers of everything, with the Junior High Ecology students collecting all recyclables). At Parent Conferences they have a display table set up with examples of what is recyclable (cell phones, inkjet & laser cartridges, iPods, etc.) Diane has also made “Mr. Recycle Man” out of cartridge boxes, inkjets and a used cell phone. He is a real eye catcher at the Parent Conferences.

This school is associated with a church and the church plays an integral part in their success. The church holds Friday Bingo and parents know they can bring items to drop off.

If the parents can’t bring in items, the team-spirited janitor goes to businesses and picks them up himself! The church also holds a “Tea and Bee” social time the 1st Sunday of each month. Current happenings in the parish are showcased for all to see. Yet another way of bringing visibility to the Cartridges for Kids® program.

St. Juliana uses the funds to purchase items that fall outside the school budget. They are thrilled to provide the children with extras. And that’s the bottom line. According to Diane, it’s just an easy way to make a lot of money that benefits the entire school!