SEDONA, Ariz. – Starting this summer and as part of an effort to bring more sustainability education to the local school systems, the city’s BigBelly smart waste and recycling receptacles will feature climate change themed artwork by students at West Sedona School.

In a collaboration between city of Sedona Sustainability Coordinator Sarah Estrada and West Sedona School teacher Sara Horton, an art challenge was administered for chosen artwork to be displayed on the sides of the receptacles. Each student was given instructions to create artwork that illustrates Sedona’s natural landscape and demonstrates an action to help protect the environment.

Each grade was assigned a specific topic to focus on while creating their artwork, with two winners for each grade chosen:

• Kindergarten (recycling): Patrick McInnis and Andrew Villalobos
• First grade (air quality): Eleina Arizmendi and Emma Rabago
• Second grade (land, plants and animals): Lillian Morris and Piper Wagner
• Third grade (water): Emerson Borgognone and Arabella Griffis
• Fourth grade (energy): Cristina Guzman Hernandez and Melody Medina
• Fifth grade (sustainability): Andrea Guadarrama Gonzalez and Jaylah Maldonado

The 12 pieces of artwork will be displayed on the receptacles around town starting this Summer. Additionally, prints of the winning pieces will be displayed at the Sedona Public Library from August 5 - 17, 2024.

Background and more information

Ten BigBelly waste receptacles were installed throughout Sedona in the fall of 2023 with the goal to collect waste data, improve maintenance collection efficiency rates and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, 10 recycling receptacles will be installed this summer to improve waste diversion efforts throughout the city, collect recycling data and share climate-action messaging on the side panels.