2000 Scholarship Competition Project Summaries

This year, 28 projects were submitted to the Be Smart Scholarship Competition, representing the work of 60 students who attend 8 schools in Southeast Wisconsin. The Competition is now in its third year and has recognized the work of 128 students while raising awareness for waste reduction among countless Southeast Wisconsin students and residents. Since its inception, the program has awarded a total of $27,550 in scholarships. The Be Smart Scholarship Competition are made possible by our sponsors.

(Students reside in the communities where they attend school unless otherwise noted)

RAISING PIGS ON COMMERCIAL FOOD WASTE - Eric Tarman-Ramcheck - $2,000 Be Smart Scholarship
East Troy High School, East Troy, Wisconsin

Raising pigs The intent of this project was to find out if commercial food waste could be fed to pigs to ease waste problems and disposal costs and improve the profitability of pig farming. Veterinarians, UW Agricultural Agents, waste experts and restaurant and bakery operators were consulted. Six young pigs were purchased; three to be raised on a diet of food scraps and three control group pigs that will eat pig feed. The pigs are genetically similar. Arrangements were made to get food waste for the pigs from a restaurant and bakery and to check the health of the pigs. The project will continue until September and an environmental organization has agreed to publish the results.

PAPER SAVING PROJECT - Matt Lochel and Josh Heidt - $1,250 Be Smart Scholarship
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

This project set out to help the school find ways to reduce paper waste. Statistics about paper use in each school department were used to identify an area for waste reduction and set goals. Students were polled to gain information on how paper is wasted and to find out if students were willing to hand in assignments on a disk. The information was used to convince the Keyboarding Teacher to collect assignments on computer disks. In less than two weeks, the Keyboarding Class was using 10% less paper. It is hoped that other teachers will begin collecting assignments on disks.

REDUCTION OF HANGER WASTE - Korry Petrowski, Christina Leonardelli and Adam Hoover - $1,250 Be Smart Scholarship
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin
(Ms. Petrowski and Ms. Leonardelli reside in New Berlin, WI. Mr. Hoover resides in Muskego, WI.)

This project set out to help New Berlin dry-cleaners reuse hangers to reduce waste and cut costs. Dry-cleaners were contacted and arrangements to start a reuse program were made. Signs asking customers to bring back hangers for reuse were posted at a dry-cleaner. Hangers returned by customers were reused. One fourth of the hangers given out by the dry-cleaner were returned and reused. The dry-cleaner saved $38.63 in one month and will continue the reusing program.

COLLECTION SHOTGUN SHELLS - Mike Kleber and Pat Hartung $1,250 Be Smart Scholarship
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin
(Both students reside in Muskego, WI.)

The focus of this project was to reduce the problem of empty shotgun shells left behind by hunters and shooters to reduce litter and conserve resources. Signs were posted at a shooting range asking people to place empty shells in buckets for reuse. The shells were collected and returned to a gun dealer. The gun dealer reloaded the shells and sold them. Over 350 shotgun shells were reused and the program made people aware of the practice of reloading and reusing shotgun shells.

IMPROVING THE WATER QUALITY AND AESTHETIC APPEAL OF THE MENOMONEE RIVER
Katie Koss - $750 Be Smart Scholarship
Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The purpose of this project was to improve the water quality and aesthetics of the Menomonee River on a site at 124th Street and Custer. Water quality was determined at the site and at another site down river. Industrial enterprises near the site were asked to make efforts to control run-off pollution. A clean up of debris along the riverbed was organized and carried out. Two large bags of litter were removed from the site and data was compiled in a report. It is hoped that area businesses will make extra efforts to prevent pollution as a result of the project.

SAVING PAPER - Sara Lauck - $500 Be Smart Scholarship
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin
(Ms. Lauck resides in Brookfield)

This project's objective was to calculate how much paper could be saved through conservation techniques like using the backs of sheets of paper and reusing folders. Employees at an office were asked to monitor their use of paper and folders for two weeks. The employees then began using paper-conserving techniques and monitored paper use for another two weeks. The participants were given a survey asking how useful it was to save paper. Paper waste was reduced and money was saved when the employees reused folders and used the backsides of paper. The survey revealed that none of the employees minded working to use less paper and some had ideas for reducing waste even more.

RECYCING WASHING MACHINE WATER - Sean Luedke, Kevin Ark and Chris Ryan- $500 Be Smart Scholarship
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin
(One of these students resides in Oconomowoc)

This project sought to find a way to reuse the water in a washing machine to reduce water use. A model of the invention to filter water that has been used in a washing machine was built. The model was tested with soapy water. After the water was filtered, it was tested for clarity and rinsing ability. Calculations were made to find out how much water and money could be saved using the invention. Tests of the invention showed that water would only need to be changed 2.5 times for every 12 loads of laundry. This would save the average family almost 16,000 gallons of water in a year. The inventors plan to make a full-scale working model of the device and apply for a patent.

SCRAP PAPER BINS - Jason Lentzke - $200 Be Smart Scholarship
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

This project's goal was to establish Scrap Paper Bins in school computer labs and other locations. The bins would help students reduce paper use by providing clean, unwrinkled paper that had only been used on one side. Large boxes were and placed in two school computer labs, a study hall and a classroom. The Scrap Paper Bins were labeled with instructions asking students to place unwrinkled paper in the bins and to, "Take all you want, Use all you take." Data about Scrap Paper Bin use was collected and students were surveyed about their awareness and impressions of the Bins. Many papers went in and out of the bins, and the project succeeded in reducing waste. The students who took the survey had positive impressions of the Scrap Paper Bins.

LUNCHBOXES CAN CONSERVE - T.J. Pedriana and Karina Rochette - $200 Be Smart Scholarship
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin
(T.J. Pedriana resides in Elm Grove)

Paper bags make up a large amount of lunchroom garbage.This project's purpose was to promote the use of reusable lunch containers instead of throwaway bags. A survey was used to collect data about the paper bag problem. Plans to buy reusable lunchboxes to sell to students were made. The challenge of getting funding to buy the lunchboxes was considered. Costs prevented the students from buying and selling lunchboxes. The survey showed that 83% of students who use disposable lunch bags would purchase a reusable lunchbox. This would reduce waste by over 1,000 paper bags each week.

Be Smart Honorable Mention Awards, 2000

POWER BICYCLE - Yia Vang
Milwaukee Trade and Technical High School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This project set out to reuse old bicycles in the building of a pedal- and electric-powered vehicle. The pedal- and electric-powered vehicle was designed. Scrap wood and junked bicycles were gathered for use as building materials. Construction of a prototype pedal-vehicle began. The finished prototype can carry two passengers and can reach incredibly high speeds without generating pollution. It is hoped that others will continue developing the idea.

GAS POWERED VS. ELECTRIC POWERED - Rodolfo Hernandes and Latisha Fowler
Milwaukee Trade and Technical High School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This project's purpose was to test and compare in internal combustion gasoline powered automobile to an electric powered car. A fuel-efficient gas powered car and a car converted to electric power were located and arrangements to test them were made. It was planned that the test results and other information would be compiled in a fact sheet auto dealers could give to customers. Alternative fuel vehicles being developed by the auto industry were researched. The information collected through research and facts about the test cars were compiled in a report.

THE PERSONAL ASSISTED DIGITAL DIRECTORY - P.A.D.D. - Jason Ceman
Waterloo High School, Waterloo, Wisconsin

The goal of this project is to reduce paper usage in schools by replacing modern textbooks with CD's and a hand-held computer. The idea for a "Personal Assisted Digital Directory (P.A.D.D) was developed. The needs of students and teachers were considered and features of the P.A.D.D. were suggested to meet the needs. A blueprint of the proposed invention was made. The convenience, environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness of the P.A.D.D. were predicted. The device could reduce paper use in schools by 85%.

WASTE WATER REDUCTION - Kristina Groppi, Michelle Koenig and Rachel Krueger
New Berlin Eisenhower High School, New Berlin, Wisconsin

This project's goal was to influence people's water- use actions with a presentation to children. A presentation was prepared, including a video showing how water could be wasted in a home. The presentation was given to 26 fourth graders and their teacher. A videotape of the presentation was viewed by 21 freshman biology students. Over 60 people, including students, teachers and parents viewed the presentation. All are now eager to help conserve water.

STARTING WITH YOUTH - Dena Tellefsen
St. Catherine's High School, Racine, Wisconsin

The purpose of this project was to inform young people about waste problems with a presentation that created awareness for trash and ways to deal with it. The problem of waste was researched. Activities to help young students learn about waste were planned. Arrangements were made with an elementary school and the presentation was given to children. Students learned things they need to know in order to make informed choices that help the environment in their everyday lives.

ALUMINUM CAN WASTE REDUCTION - Veronica Furrer
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

This project's purpose was to reduce aluminum can waste at a family-owned tavern by using tap beer instead of beer in cans. Costs and environmental considerations for canned and tap beer were researched. 350 customers were asked if they were in favor of switching from cans to tap beer. Aluminum and glass recycling data from the business was compiled for the last 9 years and a recycling company representative was interviewed. It was learned that switching from cans to tap beer would reduce waste and save money, although recycling aluminum cans offsets their costs. The family plans to move the tavern to a new location and will consider waste reduction in plans for the business.

LARGE SERVINGS VS. SINGLE SERVINGS - Jonathan Kumar
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

This project's purpose was to find out if products packaged in larger servings are better for the environment and less expensive than products in single-serving packages. Prices of products in large packages and single-serving packages were compared. Packaging waste resulting from the products was estimated and compared. Shoppers were informed of the benefits of products in large packages and their preferences were surveyed. Products in single-serve packages cost more and were more wasteful than those in large packages. After learning about environmental and cost-saving benefits, most shoppers said they'd prefer to buy large serving packages.

POOL CHEMICALS - SAFE OR NOT? - Tom Bisswurm, Brad Ill and Matt Van Zelst
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

The goal of this project was to find the safest and best way to treat water in swimming pools so threats to the environment and human health would be reduced. Pool chemicals and their effects on the environment were researched. Discussions with pool owners and a pool salesperson were held. The information was evaluated. A product called "Perfect Water" was found to be safest for the environment.

DOING OUR PART IN WATER CONSERVATION - Liz Heuvelmans, Val Jones and Katie Schliepp
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

The purpose of this project was to find out if water and money could be saved in homes without the use of expensive products. Water use in three households was recorded for a week. Water-saving ideas were brainstormed and communicated to members of the households. Water use was measured while the water conservation ideas were in use. The households saved over 2,000 gallons of water in a single week without the use of expensive water-saving products. In addition, researched showed that many water-saving products are cost-effective.

FERTILIZER - Cristin Sorce, Lauren Leachy and Mo Reiten
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

The purpose of this project was to find ways to reduce the use of fertilizers that can be harmful to the environment. A lawn specialist was interviewed and alternatives to hazardous fertilizers were discussed. Fifty-three residents of a neighborhood were given a survey about their yard care practices. The information was analyzed. It was learned that compost is beneficial for yards and the environment. Only three residents of the neighborhoods use compost. Increasing the use of compost could reduce water pollution risks.

LAKE MICHIGAN AND ITS POLLUTANTS - Andy Kallas and Katie Bratberg
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

This project studied Lake Michigan water pollution and solutions being carried out by the Lake Michigan Forum. The Lake Michigan Forum was contacted as a resource for Lake Michigan pollution information. A phone interview with a representative of the Lake Michigan Forum was used to get information. The information was compiled in a report. It was learned that a program called the Lake Michigan Mass Balance Project is underway to study pollutants and predict the benefits of pollution prevention.

RECYCLING CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS - Heather Kreitzer
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

This project tackled the problem of wood waste in house construction. 18 to 20% of wood purchased for building a home becomes scrap. Information about the problem of wood waste was gathered and possible uses for the wood were investigated. Scrap wood was collected from a building site. The wood was donated to a middle school for use in woodworking and shop classes. A large amount of scrap wood was diverted from the trash and the school saved money by using the scrap wood instead of buying new wood. It was learned that finding recyclers or reusers of scrap wood is difficult.

AUTO-FLUSH TOILETS VS. VALVE FLUSH TOILETS - Chris Cummings and Joe Schubel
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

This project's purpose was to test the efficiency of automatic-flush toilets operated with motion sensors and compare them with manually flushed toilets. Information about the water usage of toilets was researched. Problems with malfunctioning auto-flush toilets were considered. The information was evaluated. It was determined that auto-flush toilets use less water per flush but often malfunction by flushing uneccessarily and wasting water.

SOAP EXPERIMENT - Kristi Pugal
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

This project set out to determine which kind of soap people are more likely to waste; bar soap or liquid soap. Two bar soaps and two liquid soaps were tested in a household for two weeks. Surveys were used to find out what kind of soaps people prefer. The results were observed and analyzed. It was discovered that bar soap is less wasteful than liquid soap, although many people prefer liquid soap.

HELPING POOR WHILE REDUCING LANDFILLS - Kelley Daiker, Serai Finn and Kelly Rember
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

This project set out to reduce food waste in the school cafeteria by giving the unwanted food to a food pantry. Permission to collect unwanted food was requested from the school. Posters and lunchtime announcements asked students to leave unwanted beverages, snack foods, fruit, vegetables and canned food in the collection box. The food was delivered to the Waukesha Food Pantry. Hundreds of food items were given to people in need instead of the landfill.

REDUCING BY REUSING - Jessica Bishop, Julie Brzostowicz and Dan Woodward
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

The goal of this project was to find ways to REUSE waste materials that would otherwise be thrown away. The group looked through household trash to find items with reuse potential. Craft projects were made using household materials that are typically thrown away. A presentation taught Sunday School children to make the crafts and encouraged them to continue reducing waste by reusing materials for crafts at home. Trash evaluations showed that an estimated 20% of household waste could be reused for crafts and other purposes.

WASTE REDUCTION - Mike Olivas and Jorge Benavente
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

This project explored alternatives to paper towels in restrooms to reduce waste and save money. The amount of paper towels used in the school bathrooms was researched. Costs and waste information for hand blowers and paper towels were compared. An online survey was used to ask 500 people if they prefer paper towels or hand blowers for drying their hands. Comparisons showed that switching to air blowers would reduce waste and save the school $300 each week. Only 11.6% of people surveyed prefer air blowers. It is hoped that people will consider making the change to protect the environment.

REDUCING WATER USE BY USING LOW-FLOW TOILETS
Jamie Gessert, Andrea Lenarduzzi and Kurt Ihn
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Wisconsin

The goal of this project was to convince the school to conserve water and save money by installing low-flow toilets. Surveys, research, and calculations were used to estimate how much water is wasted by inefficient toilets. It was learned that the school already has low-flow toilets. The students investigated water conservation and cost savings the school has realized since installing the low-flow toilets. Low-flow toilets benefit the environment and our pockets. The research showed that the school's low-flow toilets save over 694,000 gallons of water and $1,388 each year.

The Be Smart Coalition would like to recognize this project for its continuation:

The Journey of Garbage (A 1999 Be Smart Scholarship Recipient)
Patrick Gleissner, Zak Grim, Matt Konradt, Matt Kornis, Dan Lauber, Marc Mescher, Chris Parisi and Mike Schrimpf
Marquette High School, Wisconsin

It is the mission of the Marquette Science Club to spread the good news about recycling, waste reduction and buying recycled. "The Journey of Garbage" is a show designed to get families involved. An action-packed show featuring audience participation and demonstrations was created to present the journey of garbage, from store shelves to beyond the garbage can. The show was performed in the Marquette Auditorium, Discovery World and Irish Fest. A performance is planned for the Wisconsin Energy Fair this summer. Portions of the show were performed at the 1999 Be Smart Awards Event. Over 300 grade school students and an audience of families learned the value of recycling and waste reduction. To encourage other groups to "recycle" the idea, "The Journey of Garbage" script and production tips were posted on the World Wide Web.