“Congratulations to Birchwood Intermediate School and École Évangéline for their dedicated recycling efforts during the fifth annual Recycle My Cell challenge,” said Minister Sherry. “As the Minister Responsible for the Environment, I am proud to see our young people being passionate about recycling. We all have a role to play in protecting our environment and I want to thank these young leaders for their enthusiastic efforts.”

Birchwood Intermediate and École Évangéline were among more than 130 Canadian schools who participated in the 2014 challenge. The goal of the challenge, that was created five years ago by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, asks students to reduce waste in Canada by collecting as many mobile phones and accessories as possible over a one-month period. More than 5,200 wireless devices and 262 kilograms of wireless accessories and batteries were collected during the challenge. Twelve schools across Canada were chosen as winners this year, with each school receiving a $500 donation to support the school’s green initiatives.

“It’s great to see students engaging in school activities that build awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship,” said Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development Alan McIsaac. “All students should be commended for their pro-active efforts to protect our environment.”