GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Alachua County students will learn the value of repurposed waste during the 17th annual “Trashformations” student recycled art competition awards ceremony Nov. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Participants will transform “waste” into creative works of art to compete for cash and other awards. Middle school, high school and college students are eligible to apply through Nov. 13.

“The museum is committed to providing resources and setting an example for a sustainable society,” said Florida Museum educator Tiffany Ireland. “ ‘Trashformations’ is a unique way to feature area student artists’ interpretation of what ‘trash’ can become.”

To participate in the eco-friendly contest, at least 70 percent of the entry must be constructed from recycled materials. Judges select winners based on creative expression and innovative use of reused materials.

The Florida Museum hosts the awards ceremony in collaboration with the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners and Office of Waste Alternatives, and will display winning entries through Nov. 29.

Patrick Irby, a waste alternative specialist for the Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives, said because materials thrown away are either buried or burned, they impact everyone. Buried garbage can leach into soil and the aquifer where it can contaminate fresh drinking water, and burning garbage increases the risk of air pollution.

“Finding new and interesting ways to reduce the amount of waste being sent to a landfill helps us conserve our natural resources, decrease our disposal costs and in the instance of ‘Trashformations,’ ” Irby continued, “create beautiful pieces of art.”

For more information about applying and important dates, visit http://www.alachuacounty.us/Depts/PW/Waste/wasteAlternatives/Pages/Trashformations.aspx or call Patrick Irby, 352-374-5213.

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Writer: Maria Espinoza, PRintern@flmnh.ufl.edu
Source: Tiffany Ireland, tireland@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu