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On May 7, the City of Houston presented four Solid Waste Management vehicles featuring artwork from four HISD students. These students were the winners of the second annual Truck Art Contest, a collaboration between HISD’s Energy and Sustainability Department and the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department aimed at raising awareness about recycling and waste diversion among the city’s youth.
The unveiling of the trucks took place at City Hall, following an announcement of the winners at a Houston City Council meeting. The young artists had the opportunity to meet Mayor John Whitmire and receive framed prints of their artwork. Winners were selected from elementary, middle, and high school, as well as Special Education categories.
DeBakey High School Junior and winning artist Cynthia Zhou shared, “If students don’t know the importance of recycling, then future generations are doomed. If you want to improve the future of the environment, then you have to educate the generation that comes before.”
Zhou’s winning piece, “Hands of Glory,” offered a unique interpretation of the traditional recycling logo, emphasizing individual human involvement in recycling and conservation by replacing the arrows with arms and hands.
The second edition of the Truck Art Contest attracted more submissions and sponsor interest this year, allowing for $100 gift cards for each winner.
Solid Waste Management Director Mark Wilfalk expressed, “The youth are the future, and for us, outreach is a key component to a successful waste diversion program. What better way to enhance our outreach while educating others about the importance of waste reduction and recycling? We have so many students throughout the city, and we really want to take advantage of that synergy and build that partnership.”
Looking ahead, Wilfalk envisions the program expanding with more sponsors and supporters, potentially incorporating a writing component in future contests.