Banish the Bead!
The team will create a book about microbead pollution in the Great Lakes to donate to all 3rd grade classrooms in Muskegon County. Each classroom will get bookmarks with facts about microbead pollution.
Leader
Susan Tate
Location
401 S. Elizabeth St. Whitehall, MI 49461
About the project
This project involves 7 outstanding student leaders trying to raise awareness of the negative impacts of microbead pollution in the Great Lakes. They are moving beyond their middle school to educate students in our entire county. The team, the WMS Bead Banishers, has written a children's book "Billy the Bluegill and the Microbead Mishap" that they are self-publishing through an online site. These books will be donated to all 3rd grade classrooms in Muskegon County (81!) Additionally, they will give copies of the book to local, state, and regional organizations whose mission is Great Lakes water quality education.
The Steps
Step 1: Write and illustrate the book.
Step 2: Submit for publishing.
Step 3: Create bookmark and outreach materials for schools.
Step 4: Contact our ISD for school information.
Step 5: Begin fundraising. (Set up booth at boat show, school sporting events, library, etc.)
Step 6: Deliver books and bookmarks.
Step 7: Reflect on project and document our successes.
Why we‘re doing it
The Bead Banishers are passionate about the health of the Great Lakes, and they are very concerned about products that contain microbeads. They want people to be informed of this issue so that they will not longer purchase products containing plastic microbeads. They believe that educating kids (who will then educate their parents) is a part of that process.