GET STARTED….
If you are a teacher, after school instructor, or lead a group in any capacity, chances are, you can reduce plastic waste. Why go it alone? If you are near Portland, Oregon, we may be able to match volunteers for one or both of these sessions to your group! If you hail from other parts of the U.S. or the world, this is a great way to join a movement.
Either way, please read through the program below and fill out the interest form to get connected.
Here is a simple outline for involvement with more details below:
•Session One: Plastic pollution education and brainstorming workshop on what each individual or group would like to eliminate in their school, home or community.
•Session Two: Art helpers work with students to create a 12” square that represents an idea for decreasing an aspect of plastic pollution, like plastic straws.
•Follow Up: A core group of students forms to help solve the problem/s and/or raise further awareness about their project.
•Celebrate and Share: Artwork on our website helps to tell the story of their progress! All participants will be invited to gather together for a public showcase of progress and art in November 2013.
General 2013 Timeline:
Jan-Oct 2013— Explore use of plastic to create art, identify student-generated solutions to measure plastic reduction
November 2013— Culminating large-scale exhibit of hundreds of IPQP squares, locations to be announced
SESSION ONE:
Step One:
Watch CHOKING HAZARD on Youtube with your students.
Step Two:
Download the 1-page 
CHOKING HAZARD Learning Guide to read and understand the different points made in the video in more detail.
Step Three:
Form groups and ask each to pick a type of plastic they throw away on a regular basis. With paper and pencil, have them design a quilt square around that object. Supply those objects (plastic lids, straws, etc) for use in Session Two-Artmaking.
SESSION TWO-ARTMAKING
Step One:
Create a 12″ square piece of artwork that represents your commitment to reduce that kind of plastic from your waste stream. Challenge yourselves to use materials other than glue, you art will look great and stay together longer!
Step Two:
Send an image of your quilt square to info[at]createplenty.org and the current story of how you are educating others not directly involved and eliminating plastic waste.
FOLLOW UP
Step One: Identify students who would like to work as a team to start the process of eliminating the plastic most students wanted to reduce from their waste stream. Meet regularly to identify steps to take.
Step Two: Also send any updates on your progress so we can update your story on our website!
CELEBRATE AND SHARE
In November, 2013 all participants will be invited to share their progress and display artwork. We will tally the plastic we have reduced collectively, have a celebration for all involved, and put our heads together for even more solutions in 2014.
For more in-depth study:
Bibliography of Quilt History Books for K-8 (PDF) Help students to understand how quilting plays such an important part in creating positive change!
8-9 Course Teaching Module Starter (PDF) NOTE: This needs the Kit below)
Module Resources (10 MB ZIP folder–goes with Teaching Module above). Please email cheryl[at]createplenty.org if you wish to be officially included in the May 2012 exhibit in Portland, Oregon. You will need to fill out and return the Volunteer Memorandum included in this folder. Thanks!
Informational online videos:
Grades 4-6: Bag It (click on “trailer” 3 mins.)
Grades 7 +: Synthetic Sea (10 mins.), Story of Stuff (20 mins.)
Single-use Plastic Craft Videos:
Plarn (plastic yarn made from bread and shopping bags)
International Plastic Quilt Project Gallery
Good Readin’
Elizabeth Royte, Garbageland: On the Secret Trail of Trash and Bottlemania
Heather Rogers, Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Trash
Gay Hawkins, The Ethics of Waste
View International Plastic Quilt Project Map in a larger map
