Senator Catharine Young Announces 2016 Earth Day Poster Contest

ALBANY - Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) is encouraging local students to take part in the New York State Senate’s 2016 Earth Day Poster Contest, a statewide competition to encourage awareness of environmental issues.

To celebrate and honor Earth Day, which occurs on Friday, April 22, Senator Young and the New York State Senate are sponsoring a poster contest for children in grades K – 6. The theme for this year’s Earth Day celebration is “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” The winning poster will be displayed on Senator Young’s website and all participants will receive a certificate of appreciation. Schools wishing to take part in this year’s event must submit entries by April 4, 2016 via the link on Senator Young’s website, young.nysenate.gov.    

“I always say we live in the most beautiful part of New York State, because our communities are blessed with so many beautiful natural vistas,” said Senator Young. “Preservation of these resources, such as our lakes, rivers, forest and state parks for future generations would not be possible without events like Earth Day that raise public awareness. ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ is not just a slogan for one day, but a way of life we should all strive for every day.”

“Every year my office receives numerous entries that display originality and creativity, as well as a well-learned understanding of the important environmental impact we have on the globe. I look forward to seeing this year’s submissions and I encourage all our local students take part to learn more about the world and our natural environment,” said Senator Young.

Students are encouraged not only to be creative in their projects, but also to convey a real commitment to making the environment a better place. By educating students about the importance of recycling, they will learn to be creative in solving the problems that may arise in the future.

Since the first Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970, over 20 million Americans have participated, helping to improve the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. In addition, landmark legislation has been passed to help support this effort, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.