EarthCare Challenge II Names Winner

April 6, 2011  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Green on April 7, 2011

Sara's Preschool in Ridgewood, N.J., has won furniture components supplier Hickory Springs' EarthCare Challenge II social media competition.

The contest followed five school groups from around the country as they embarked on green initiatives in their communities. Sara's Preschool won after 31 days of contest updates, photos and videos and more than 1,200 fan votes on Facebook.

To win, the preschool developed a month-long curriculum to introduce Kindergarten Enrichment students to the concept of environmental awareness. The class carried out a wide array of projects which included identifying creative ways to repurpose materials, such as planting seeds in used yogurt cups, and holding Recycling Relay races to learn how to sort recyclable goods. In an effort to continue a tradition of eco-education, the students created books filled with their newfound knowledge, which they presented to the younger class.
 
"We congratulate each of our finalists who have made tremendous achievements with their students, making it very difficult to pick a winner," said Hickory Springs Executive Vice President Dwayne Welch. "Sara Bauer, the team leader at Sara's Preschool, really stood out for her tireless efforts combining a multi-pronged approach to her 'March Green Up' theme, along with updates which showed consistent creativity and progress through the page."
 
In the lead-up to Earth Day on April 22, Hickory Springs, Hickory, N.C., will present the school with $1,000 to help fund future environmental learning initiatives, along with a sofa set manufactured by Craftmaster Furniture and featuring Hickory Springs' line of EarthCare Inside components. The furniture will be used to furnish the school's common area and stage.
 
The company first launched the EarthCare Challenge in 2010, bringing to life the quest of young adults seeking to live more sustainably. This year's contest broadened the company's reach through schools.