Introducing the M.E.S.S. Lab, a hands-on learning lab that teaches environmental stewardship and civic engagement using paint recycling as a vehicle for learning.
M.E.S.S. stands for Math, English Language Arts, Social Studies & Science, a framework developed by The Green Project aimed at connecting students with many interests to environmental principles. Our goal is to teach students about the complexities of waste and recycling while giving them tangible knowledge to reduce their environmental impact and support their community.
“The M.E.S.S. Lab is first and only immersive recycling education experience in New Orleans.”
— Hailey Allison, Executive Director
MAKING MESSES
Over the past several years, schools have requested The Green Project’s recycling lessons more than any other topic. But because of differences in recycling rules, teaching recycling can be hard to do.
The M.E.S.S. Lab closes this gap. And we do so for free, making it accessible to all students.
The M.E.S.S. Lab is an immersive experience open to 4th-12th grade classes. During each session, students will:
Embark on a creative reuse scavenger hunt, walking through our warehouse to spot creative reuse in action and discussing why landfill diversion is important.
Learn about their city’s local waste stream and discuss who is responsible for ensuring the proper disposal of waste—municipalities, corporations, or citizens?
Experience the paint recycling process from start to finish, working in small teams to create their own batches of unique paint colors. Paint will be sold in store on behalf of students, and all student-made paint sales will be funneled back into the program.
Discuss what it means to be a good citizen, explore how to reduce paint waste, and brainstorm new paint recycling systems based on what students learned, and what they can imagine.
Creatively market their paint colors using persuasive writing techniques
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the M.E.S.S. Lab launches.
Help launch the M.E.S.S. Lab.
“Because we need to be responsible for our own mess.”
— Erin Genrich, Environmental Educator
Support the M.E.S.S. Lab
Become a M.E.S.S. Maker!
In order to launch a successful M.E.S.S. Lab, we’re seeking a group of dedicated supporters to contribute seed funding for year one. After the first year, the program is designed to be self-sustaining through the sale of student-recycled paint. If all goes to plan, we hope to officially launch in 2021.
Become a MESS Maker in one of two ways:
Contribute $100 to the seed fund today.
Become a monthly contributor and pledge to donate $10/month for 1 year ($120 total).
Perks included! M.E.S.S. Makers will have the opportunity to...
Paint their own wall block (16”x8”) in the MESS Lab to inspire New Orleans students & residents
Join us at the MESS Lab launch party, open exclusively to MESS Lab supporters and partners.
Have access to a shared MESS Lab experience with a group of 5.
M.E.S.S. Masters
Is your business looking to support environmental education and civic engagement initiatives in New Orleans? Our M.E.S.S. Masters tiered sponsorship program is geared towards sponsors that want to go above and beyond by supporting The M.E.S.S. Lab at a level of $500 or more. Learn more about sponsoring the MESS Lab.
Become a
M.E.S.S. Maker
Help build a generation of environmental stewards
Support the M.E.S.S. Lab
