By Janet Cruz

Earth Day is about clean up events and beautification projects around town, however the students at Telesis Preparatory Academy did good for the earth by planting wildflower seeds with up-cycled items.

“We used old paper from student’s homework, then, soaked it in a solution to make a paste and later created a place to attached the flower seeds,” said Telesis Preparatory Academy instructor Shannon Conde, who heads the Upcycling and Sustainability Program.

Reused homework paper lined with Drought Resistant Wild Seeds. Janet Cruz/ RiverScene

“They will later tear the paper once it dries and plant them into the ground.”

Janet Cruz / RiverScene

Typically, Conde’s students are transforming discarded materials into meaningful creations through the school’s Upcycling and Sustainability program throughout the year, where sustainability and entrepreneurship go hand in hand.

According to Conde, up-cycling items is also a way to be kind to the earth as well.

“We also used old sheets to line our tables, and  recycled paper that was reused for our seeds,” said Conde.

Instructor Shannon Conde running the Earth Day Wildflower seeds project with multiple classes. Janet Cruz / RiverScene

The up-cycling program Conde runs introduces students to up-cycling, the process of turning waste into functional and often artistic products.

Projects range from repurposed denim and handmade paper to candles made from glass jars and wearable art, encouraging students to rethink how everyday items can be reused.

Drought Tolerant Wildflower Seeds. Janet Cruz/ RiverScene

But for Earth day, it was a perfect way for a few teachers along with Conde, to do a schoolwide project.

“I want my students to understand they don’t need more resources to be creative — they need a new perspective,” Condie said. “When they transform something discarded into something meaningful, it changes how they see themselves and what they believe is possible for their future.”

Photo courtesy Shannon Conde, Telesis Preparatory Academy

Conde also said that the  program is also seeking community support. Conde encourages donations of unused craft supplies or materials that might otherwise be discarded for future projects.

For more information on the Up-cycling and Sustainability program or to donate, call Telesis Preparatory Academy  at 928-855-8661.