Students in Athens Middle School community service classes are learning to “upcycle.” Instead of throwing away their Capri Sun drink pouches students are recycling to Terracycle, a company partnered with Capri Sun. Terracycle then reuses the pouches creating fashion bags, totes, pencil cases and more.

Not only do the students get to help the planet by keeping the pouches out of landfills, the school gets 2 cents for every pouch turned in, community service teacher, Sherry Kilgore said.

Community service class teachers, Kilgore and Sherry McEwen who were sent an e-mail by computer lab aid Misty Miller about the company’s upcycling, headed the project. Kilgore and McEwen got art teacher Jennifer Rosso involved with the creation of a fun recycling bin design.

Rosso and eighth-grade student Spencer Kelso created receptacles in the likeness of the Capri Sun drinks to collect the pouches. Students put their used pouches in the “straw” and they collect in the large Capri Sun pouch below. Assistant Principal Joanna May fostered the idea, Kilgore said.

The receptacles are in the cafeteria.

“I think it’s good that we are recycling,” Kelso said. “Instead of everything we use being thrown away we can use it to make money for the school.”

The fundraiser is being strongly supported by Tandy Norris, Child Nutrition Coordinator, Kilgore said.

The money raised from the project will go into the community service account to fund projects such as activities with Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, and nursing home visits.

Students and parents are urged to bring their pouches from home, as well as the ones they use at lunch to upcycle.

To find out more about more about Terracycle visit http://brands.kraftfoods.com/caprisun/default.aspx and click on “Be Green, Earn Green.”