The Ewing Green Team has announced that its annual Build a Scarecrow Contest will receive a 2016 Environmental Achievement Award from the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions.
The award will be presented at the organization’s 43rd Environmental Congress at Mercer County Community College on Sept. 30. Accepting for the Ewing Green Team will be team member Lisa K Feldman, the contest’s creator.
The annual awards program recognizes successful projects by environmental commissions, nonprofit organizations and school groups that benefit the local environment. An awards committee comprised of ANJEC trustees and staff members select the winners based on project impact, originality, educational value, innovation and response to a need.
The Build a Scarecrow Contest, now in its third year, is an example of combining creative place-making with recycling and recycling education. It requires that all entries be constructed of at least 80 percent recycled, reclaimed, and/or reused materials.
“It’s fascinating to see how creative participants can be with old throwaway items and standard recycling plastic bags, bottles, cans, newspaper and cardboard,” Feldman said. “Our events produce more than just scarecrows; they are a day for the arts, a day for community building, and a day to keep things out of the landfill.”
The entries were judged by Major Bert Steinmann and other township notables at the Ewing Recreation Department’s annual Trunk or Treat event.
Following the awards the scarecrows are kept on display for the many people using the Community Center to enjoy during the last days of autumn. At the end of the display period participants pick up their scarecrows. Those not picked up are taken apart to be recycled.
For more information about registering to participate in this year’s Build a Scarecrow Contest, visit ewinggreenteam.org/scarecrow-contest.
