Girl Scout Recycles to Build Greenhouse

With discarded campaign signs as a roof, used tires as a floor, and old two-liter soda bottles as walls, local girl scout Anna Harrison set out in September of 2011 to make a greenhouse out of nothing but recycled materials.

"I knew that I wanted to complete my Gold Award," she said in an email.  "As it was my last opportunity to participate in Girl Scouting. I wanted to create a project which dealt with either food and health issues or environmental stewardship. When I came upon a blog about a greenhouse made out of two-liter bottles, I decided to recreate the project.

"I put the project into action at Brighten Academy with the help of construction workers, environmentalists, and Master Gardeners. I organized half a dozen volunteer days and learned how to frame a building."

After more than 110 hours of work later, she had a completed 8’ by 10’ greenhouse, with 24 tires as a foundation, more than 1,500 two-liter bottles as walls and 60 used or misprinted signs as roof tiles.

The project was completed on Nov. 17 and the school has created an eco-club which will use the greenhouse for lessons and projects. In addition, the teachers can use the greenhouse to fulfill life science requirements.

What's next for this enviornmentally-conscience young lady?

"I am currently in the process of applying to college and I hope to major in neuroscience," she said. "I also hope to continue my commitment to Girl Scouting and community service in college by helping out with a younger troop and getting involved with service activities early; I am applying for three full-ride merit scholarships for community service."