The ESC is a little greener thanks to students at Westerville North High School.

Teacher Katie Sochor joined the ESC this school year and brought with her a plastic shopping bag recycling activity she has used in her classes for 10 years.

Through the Enviro-bag program, the class earns money by collecting the shopping bags and mailing them to the company. The bags are then recycled and turned into trash bags that are sold at participating grocery stores.

The class has sent out e-mails and letters around the school and to families to spread the word. Although it’s only been in place for about a month, it has caught on in Westerville.

“Students and staff have dropped off their bags in our classroom pretty much on a daily basis now,” Sochor said. “The support that we have gotten has been wonderful.”

Sochor’s students are responsible for sorting, counting and tying the bags into bundles. When the class fills a large bag, they go to the post office to mail it to Enviro-bag. In return, the class receives money and a report card evaluating their effectiveness.

“I have enjoyed completing this job with my students because it is a hands-on, real-life, process-oriented activity that truly makes a difference,” Sochor said. “It is a great way to get students involved with staff and students among the building.”

The activity involves science and math lessons, plus learning about community interactions and real-world vocabulary.

“The educational opportunities and possibilities are truly endless with this activity,” Sochor said.

All ESC staff members can participate by dropping off bags to Coordinator Corinne Mazzant who will pass them along to the class.