Caldwell 2017 Earth Day Contest Open For Submissions

CALDWELL, NJ — The Caldwell Environmental Commission has opened its 2017 Earth Day / Arbor Day Contest for submissions until Tuesday, April 18. The theme this year is “plastics pollution,” organizers stated in a news release.

“We are concerned about the amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean, particularly plastic bags… By reducing plastics, you can help those sea creatures survive that mistakenly think plastics are food,” organizers said.

There are six categories for the contest:

• grades K-2; 3-5; 6-8
• high school
• college
• adult

Participants must be a resident of Caldwell to participate in the adult category. Students must be registered in the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District, or attend the schools that are within Caldwell or be a student who lives in Caldwell.

Each category’s winner receives a $50 prize. Entries will be displayed at the Earth Day/ Arbor Day Festival on Saturday, April 22 at the Caldwell Borough Hall, and winners will be announced at 10:15 a.m.

Possible entries include: a poster, poem, video skit, essay, slogan or your way to persuade people not to use as much plastic.

“The theme of your entry could be ways to reduce your use of plastics or why are plastics bad for the environment,” organizers said. “Include your name, grade and school on the back of your entry, and make sure you sign the Ban the Bag pledge on Earth Day.”

The deadline for all entries is Tuesday, April 18, which can be turned in at 4:30 p.m. at Borough Hall or 8 p.m. at the Caldwell Public Library.

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